Carbomer Homopolymer is a high-molecular-weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used as a multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient. It is primarily used for rheology modification, viscosity control, suspension stabilization, gel formation, bioadhesion and modified drug-release applications.
Under the USP/NF classification, Carbomer Homopolymer is divided into different types based principally on viscosity characteristics. Commercial pharmaceutical grades include Type A, Type B and Type C products, allowing formulators to select a suitable polymer according to the required viscosity and formulation performance.
Carbomer Homopolymer consists of acrylic acid polymer chains crosslinked with suitable polyfunctional crosslinking agents. Carbomer homopolymers are chemically distinct from carbomer copolymers and interpolymers because they are based on acrylic acid as the principal polymer component.
These polymers hydrate and swell in suitable aqueous systems and develop significant viscosity following neutralization. This makes them valuable for pharmaceutical formulations requiring controlled rheology, suspension stability and structured gel systems.
Carbomer Homopolymer is a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer. Depending on the specific pharmaceutical grade, the polymerization system may use ethyl acetate or a cosolvent system containing ethyl acetate and cyclohexane.
For example:
The different types provide different viscosity characteristics and formulation performance.
Carbomer Homopolymer can be used as a functional excipient in:
Carbopol pharmaceutical polymers are used as rheology modifiers, tablet binders, suspension stabilizers, extended-release polymers and mucoadhesive aids.
Selected Carbomer Homopolymer grades can be incorporated into oral solid dosage formulations where polymer hydration, swelling and matrix formation are used to influence drug-release characteristics.
The exact performance depends on polymer type, crosslinking, concentration, drug characteristics, formulation composition and processing conditions. Carbopol 971P NF and 974P NF, for example, are identified by Lubrizol for oral pharmaceutical applications including extended-release and bioadhesive systems.
Carbomer Homopolymer grades are widely used in topical and semisolid pharmaceutical systems because they can provide viscosity control, gel formation and suspension stabilization.
Depending on the grade, they can be selected for formulations requiring lower or higher viscosity, short- or long-flow rheology and different processing characteristics.
The quality specifications for Carbomer Homopolymer depend on the specific USP/NF type and commercial grade.
Typical pharmaceutical quality evaluation can include:
A single universal numerical specification should not be assigned to generic Carbomer Homopolymer because the specifications differ between Type A, Type B and Type C grades. Lubrizol's current product data, for example, lists viscosity ranges of 4,000–11,000 cP for 971P NF, 29,400–39,400 cP for 974P NF and 40,000–60,000 cP for 980 NF, all measured under defined conditions.
Swapnroop supports pharmaceutical customers seeking specification-focused Carbomer Homopolymer excipients for formulation development and pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
Carbomer Homopolymer can be supplied according to the required USP/NF type, viscosity profile, formulation application and applicable quality documentation.
Customers can select an appropriate Carbomer Homopolymer grade according to whether the formulation requires suspension stabilization, rheology modification, bioadhesion, gel formation or controlled-release functionality.
Carbomer Homopolymer should be stored in tightly closed packaging and protected from excessive moisture, contamination and unsuitable environmental conditions.
Packaging configurations can be selected according to laboratory, formulation-development, commercial manufacturing and bulk pharmaceutical requirements.
Depending on the applicable grade and supply arrangement, documentation may include:
Carbomer Homopolymer is a versatile pharmaceutical excipient suitable for formulations requiring rheology modification, viscosity control, suspension stabilization, gel formation, bioadhesion and controlled-release functionality.
Different USP/NF Carbomer Homopolymer types allow pharmaceutical formulators to select an appropriate viscosity and functional profile for their formulation requirements.
Swapnroop supports pharmaceutical customers with specification-focused Carbomer Homopolymer supply, relevant technical documentation and product information for formulation development and pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |