Carbomer 971P NF is a pharmaceutical-grade carbomer excipient used as a rheology modifier, thickening agent, suspending agent, stabilizer, bioadhesive polymer and controlled-release formulation aid. It is a lightly crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer designed for pharmaceutical formulations where viscosity control, suspension stability, bioadhesion and modified drug release are required.
Carbomer 971P NF is recognized as Carbomer Homopolymer Type A under the USP/NF framework. Pharmaceutical-grade Carbopol® 971P NF is also associated with applicable Ph. Eur., IP, ChP and JPE compendial requirements depending on the specification being applied.
Carbomer 971P NF is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked acrylic polymer supplied as a fine, white, fluffy powder. It hydrates and swells in suitable polar media and develops viscosity after neutralization. Its rheological properties make it suitable for pharmaceutical formulations requiring controlled viscosity, suspension, gel formation and bioadhesion.
The grade is particularly associated with oral pharmaceutical applications such as extended- or controlled-release tablets, oral liquids, suspensions and bioadhesive formulations. It can also be used in topical and mucosal formulations.
Carbomer 971P NF belongs to the carbomer family of crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers. The pharmaceutical grade is polymerized using ethyl acetate, a Class 3 solvent, according to the manufacturer's current product documentation. Its pharmaceutical function is primarily physical rather than pharmacologically active: it modifies viscosity, rheology, suspension behavior and drug-release characteristics.
Carbomer 971P NF can be used as a functional excipient in:
Lubrizol specifically identifies Carbopol® 971P NF for suspensions, bioadhesive formulations, roller compaction and solid dosage applications, while also listing topical, oral and ophthalmic formulation applications.
Pharmaceutical-grade Carbomer 971P NF is characterized using identification testing, carboxylic acid content, viscosity, loss on drying, residual solvent, residual monomer and sulphated ash testing. The current Lubrizol specification gives a viscosity range of 4,000–11,000 cP under its defined 0.5% mucilage test at 25°C, and a carboxylic acid content specification of 56.0–68.0%.
Swapnroop offers pharmaceutical and excipient-focused product information for Carbomer 971P NF, supporting formulation and sourcing requirements for pharmaceutical applications. The product can be positioned for customers seeking pharmaceutical-grade carbomer for controlled-release, suspension, bioadhesive and rheology-modifying formulations.
Product documentation, specification requirements, analytical parameters, grade requirements and applicable regulatory documentation should be confirmed according to the intended formulation and market.
Carbomer 971P NF should be stored in tightly closed packaging under suitable environmental conditions and protected from excessive moisture and temperature. Packaging configuration can be selected according to customer requirements, order quantity and pharmaceutical handling requirements.
Depending on the supply arrangement and applicable requirements, product documentation may include:
Carbomer 971P NF provides a combination of viscosity modification, suspension stabilization, bioadhesion and controlled drug-release functionality. Its pharmaceutical-grade profile and established use in oral and topical formulation systems make it a valuable excipient for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | 56.0–68.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 2.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 2.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 20 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.5–4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 1,000 ppm |
| Water Content | NMT 2.0% |