As the water-soluble cross-linked polyacrylates, carbomers and acrylates copolymers are the indispensable rheology modifier in the pharmaceutical, personal care and industrial fields, integrating three core functions: thickening, suspending and emulsification. As the global 2nd largest carbomer and acrylates copolymer manufacturer, Anhui Newman Fine Chemicals Co., ltd has accumulated more than 15 years of technical expertise and built a complete product portfolio covering traditional and improved NM-Carbomers. The two series NM-Carbomers differ significantly in production processes and application scenarios, accurately meeting the diversified needs of various industries.

I. Production Process: from polymerization solvent innovation to polymer structural optimization

Traditional NM-Carbomers, such as NM‑Carbomer 960, 970, 941, 981, 990 etc., have achieved lower residual solvent levels after process optimization. Their residual solvents comply with the standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, with strict internal control limits especially for key solvents such as ethyl acetate and cyclohexane. Such Newman carbomers feature mature and stable production processes and controllable production costs, suitable for various traditional application scenarios.

Improved NM-Carbomers have realized the safety upgrade of production processes, represented by NM‑Carbomer 20, 21, 10, 30, 1 and 35 grades. The core highlight is the safety optimization of the solvent system, which further improves the safety and compliance of solvent selection, ensuring the content of trace potential risk substances benzene n ≤ 2 mg/kg, fully meeting the stringent requirements of ICH Q3C, USP <467> and Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, and classified into the "Toxicology Preferred" series. Meanwhile, liquid products such as NM‑Carbomer SF‑1, NM‑Carbomer Aqua10 and 25 are easy-to-use liquid, which significantly improve the convenience of production and processing and enable cold‑processing applications.

II. Application Scenarios: from general coverage to precise adaptation

Based on performance differences, the two types of NM-Carbomers form a complementary application pattern, corresponding to the basic and high‑end demands.

Traditional NM-Carbomers are widely used in scenarios with moderate performance requirements, with dosage 0.2%–1.0%. NM‑Carbomer 960, 970, 981, 941,934,990 etc. are used in creams, hair styling gels, lotion to provide basic thickening and suspending. The core advantages are wide adaptability and high cost‑performance.

Improved NM-Carbomers are designed for the pain points of high‑end scenarios with a wider application formulation. NM‑Carbomer 20, 2020, 21, 1, 35 etc. belong to Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, and are suitable for personal care and pharmaceutical care fields. NM‑Carbomer 20 has outstanding core performance: the viscosity of 1.0% neutralized aqueous solution (pH 5.8–6.3) reaches 47000–67000 mPa·s, clarity more than 95%; NM‑Carbomer 21 is higher viscosity and short‑rheology properties. They have higher electrolyte tolerance and handle a higher level of surfactant actives, 1.0% Salt Viscosity (Solution with 1.0% NaCl, pH 7.3 - 7.8) more than 4000mpas. being ideally suited for use in formulations containing higher levels of oils, botanical ingredients, and hydroalcoholic gels, cleansers, shampoos.

III. Selection According to Demand: maximizing adaptation scenario value

Traditional NM-Carbomers are centered on high viscosity performance, low usage 0.2%–1.5%, and mature technology suitable for all categories, with outstanding cost‑performance.

Improved carbomers feature benzene‑free safety (residual risk substance benzene ≤ 2 mg/kg, compliant with Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) and pharmacopoeia standards of China, the United States, Europe, Japan and other countries), high clarity more than 95%, self‑wetting within minutes, providing medium to high viscosity, and efficient thickening performance in a wide pH 4~11 range. They are good salt tolerance. Fully meeting the stringent requirements of high‑end personal care and health care products.

The differentiated layout of traditional and improved NM-Carbomers is the precise response to the technological iteration of the industry and an in-depth adaptation to the diversified market demands. Going forward, Newman Fine Chemicals will continue to take technological innovation as the core driving force, and empower the upstream and downstream of the industrial chain to maximize scenario value with more industry-adapted raw material solutions.