TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

TDS-730
Edition: August 13, 2010
Original Date: November 24, 2009 / January 27, 2010

Viscosity of Carbopol* Polymers in

Aqueous Systems
Introduction
Carbopol polymers can be used to develop semisolid and oral liquid formulations with a wide range of flow
and rheological properties (Figure 1). The polymers are highly efficient thickeners, suspending agents and
stabilizers at low usage levels (0.1 - 3.0 wt%).
Figure 1: Flow Properties of Carbopol Polymers, Neutralized Dispersions

Polymer Crosslink Density:

Flow Property:

High/Medium
Short

Low
Long (Pourable)

All Carbopol polymers are high molecular weight, crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymers. The main
differences among the polymers are the crosslinker type and density and solvent used to synthesize the
polymer. A description of the polymers featured in this document is shown in Tables 1A and 1B. Please
refer to Bulletin 1- Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications for a complete list of polymers.
Table 1A: Carbopol Polymers Overview

Carbopol
Polymer
971P NF
974P NF
980 NF
5984 EP
ETD 2020 NF
Ultrez 10 NF
1

Recommended
Applications
Oral / Topical
Oral / Topical
Topical
Topical
Topical
Topical

Polymerization
Solvent
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate
Cosolvent1
Cosolvent
Cosolvent
Cosolvent

Polymer Type
Homopolymer
Homopolymer
Homopolymer
Homopolymer
Interpolymer
Interpolymer

Crosslink
Density
Low
Medium
High
Medium
Medium
High

Aqueous Gel Viscosity

Low
Medium - high
Very high
Medium - high
Medium - high
Very high

Cosolvent is a mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane.

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. / 9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44141-3247 / TEL: 800.379.5389 or 216.447.5000
The information contained herein is believed to be
reliable, but no representations, guarantees or
warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy,
suitability for particular applications or the results to be
obtained therefrom.
The information is based on
laboratory work with small-scale equipment and does
not necessarily indicate end product performance.
Because of the variations in methods, conditions and

equipment used commercially in processing these

materials, no warranties or guarantees are made as to
the suitability of the products for the application
disclosed.
Full-scale testing and end product
performance are the responsibility of the user. Lubrizol
Advanced Materials, Inc. shall not be liable for and the
customer assumes all risk and liability of any use of
handling of any material beyond Lubrizol Advanced

Materials, Inc.s direct control. THE SELLER MAKES NO

WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Nothing contained herein is
to be considered as permission, recommendation, nor
as an inducement to practice any patented invention
without permission of the patent owner.

For further information, please visit www.pharma.lubrizol.com

Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lubrizol Corporation
* Trademark owned by The Lubrizol Corporation
Copyright 2010 / The Lubrizol Corporation

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 2 of 10
Table 1B: Compendial Status of Polymers

Product Trade Name

United States USP/NF*

Europe (Ph. Eur.)

Japan (JPE) 1

Carbopol 971P NF Polymer

Carbopol 974P NF Polymer
Carbopol 980 NF Polymer
Carbopol 5984 EP Polymer
Carbopol ETD 2020 NF Polymer
Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF Polymer

Carbomer Homopolymer Type A

Carbomer Homopolymer Type B
Carbomer Homopolymer Type C
Carbomer Homopolymer Type B
Carbomer Interpolymer Type B
Carbomer Interpolymer Type A

Carbomers
Carbomers
Carbomers
Carbomers
-----

Carboxyvinyl Polymer
Carboxyvinyl Polymer
Carboxyvinyl Polymer
Carboxyvinyl Polymer
-----

* USP/NF after 2006

Brookfield Viscosity of Carbopol Polymer Dispersions

Carbopol polymers must be neutralized in order to achieve maximum viscosity. Once a neutralizer is
added to the dispersion, thickening gradually occurs. Maximum viscosity is typically achieved at a pH of
6.0 - 7.0.
The viscosity of Carbopol polymers will begin to decrease at a pH of 9.0 and higher. This is caused by the
presence of excess electrolytes which affect the electrostatic repulsion of the ionized carboxylic groups. In
order to obtain high viscosity at pH values below 5 and above 9, an increased concentration of Carbopol
polymer is recommended. Additionally, use of a low concentration of polymer at low pH values should be
avoided in an effort to achieve a robust formulation.
Brookfield viscosity measurements were obtained for aqueous dispersions of several Carbopol polymers
at concentrations of 0.2 - 2.0 wt. %. The general behavior of each polymer is shown in Figures 2 - 7 based
on the data for one lot of each polymer. The dispersions were tested as prepared (conventionally
represented as pH 3.0) or after neutralization with sodium hydroxide solution to pH 4.0 - 7.0. An increase
in polymer concentration results in an increase in viscosity. In general, a pH plateau is achieved more
readily with higher concentrations of Carbopol polymers.
Figure 2: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol 971P NF Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

15000
0.2% 971P NF
0.5% 971P NF
12000

1.0% 971P NF
2.0% 971P NF

9000

6000

3000

0
2

pH

Based on customer request, Lubrizol certifies select lots of product against the JPE Carboxyvinyl Polymer Monograph

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 3 of 10
Figure 3: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol 974P NF Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

100000
0.2% 974P NF
0.5% 974P NF
80000

1.0% 974P NF
2.0% 974P NF

60000

40000

20000

0
2

pH

Figure 4: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol 980 NF Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

100000
0.2% 980 NF
0.5% 980 NF
80000

1.0% 980 NF
2.0% 980 NF

60000

40000

20000

0
2

5
pH

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 4 of 10
Figure 5: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol 5984 EP Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

75000
0.2% 5984 EP
0.5% 5984 EP
60000

1.0% 5984 EP
2.0% 5984 EP

45000

30000

15000

0
2

pH

Figure 6: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol ETD 2020 NF Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

120000
0.2% ETD 2020 NF
0.5% ETD 2020 NF

100000

1.0% ETD 2020 NF

2.0% ETD 2020 NF

80000
60000
40000
20000
0
2

5
pH

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 5 of 10
Figure 7: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF Polymer Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

120000
0.2% Ultrez 10 NF
0.5% Ultrez 10 NF

100000

1.0% Ultrez 10 NF
2.0% Ultrez 10 NF

80000
60000
40000
20000
0
2

pH

A comparison of the viscosity of 1.0 wt. % aqueous dispersions of several topical grades of Carbopol
polymers is shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Effect of Polymer Type on the Viscosity of 1.0% Dispersions Topical Products

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

75000
1.0% 980 NF
1.0% Ultrez 10 NF

60000

1.0% ETD 2020 NF

1.0% 5984 EP

45000

30000

15000

0
2

5
pH

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 6 of 10
The effect of polymer type and concentration on the viscosity at pH 6.0 is represented in Figure 9 for
several topical grades of Carbopol polymers.
Figure 9: Effect of Polymer Type and Concentration on the Viscosity at pH 6.0 Topical Products

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

120000
980 NF
Ultrez 10 NF

100000

ETD 2020 NF
5984 EP

80000
60000
40000
20000
0
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

concentration (%)

A comparison of the viscosity of oral grade Carbopol 971P NF and 974P NF polymers at various pH levels
and concentrations is shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Effect of pH and Concentration on the Viscosity of Carbopol 971P NF and 974P NF Polymer Dispersions

0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
2.0%
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
2.0%

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

100000

80000

60000

971P
971P
971P
971P
974P
974P
974P
974P

NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF
NF

40000

20000

0
2

5
pH

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 7 of 10
Unneutralized dispersions as prepared have an approximate pH range of 2.5 - 3.5 depending on the
polymer concentration. The unneutralized dispersions have very low viscosities as shown in Figure 11,
especially for Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF polymer and Carbopol ETD 2020 NF polymers.
Carbopol Ultrez 10 NF polymer and Carbopol ETD 2020 NF polymers provide excellent versatility in
processing for topical formulations. Their unique dispersion performance allows the polymers to wet
quickly, yet hydrate slowly. This minimizes agglomeration, which can be a problem if turbulent mixing is
not available during dispersion. Compared with traditional Carbopol polymers, Carbopol Ultrez and ETD
polymers provide dispersions in water that are much lower in viscosity prior to neutralization which enables
easier handling in mixing tanks and process lines. Once the polymers are neutralized, they are highly
efficient thickeners.
Figure 11: Effect of Polymer Type and Concentration on the Viscosity of Dispersions as Prepared

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

7500
971P NF
974P NF

6000

980 NF
Ultrez 10 NF
ETD 2020 NF

4500

5984 EP
3000

1500

0
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

concentration (%)

In aqueous systems, inorganic bases, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or low molecular
weight amines and alkanolamines will provide satisfactory neutralization. Figure 12 shows similar
thickening efficiencies when sodium hydroxide and triethanolamine are used to neutralize a 0.5 wt%
aqueous dispersion of Carbopol 980 NF polymer. No significant differences are expected if potassium
hydroxide is used for neutralization.

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 8 of 10
Figure 12: Effect of Neutralizer Type on the Viscosity of 0.5% Carbopol 980 NF Dispersion

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

50000
Sodium hydroxide (18%)
Triethanolamine (99%)

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
2

pH

Electrolytes tend to reduce the viscosity of Carbopol polymer based gels. Therefore, a higher
concentration of polymer should be used to minimize the viscosity loss. In general, the viscosity of lightly
crosslinked Carbopol polymer systems is less affected by electrolytes than highly crosslinked Carbopol
polymers. (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Effect of Salt on the Viscosity of 1.0% Carbopol 971P NF and 974P NF Polymer Dispersions at pH 6.0

Brookfield viscosity @ 20 rpm (mPa*s)

75000
971P NF

60000

974P NF

45000

30000

15000

0
0

0.25

0.5

0.75
% NaCl

1.25

1.5

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 9 of 10
Brookfield Yield Value of Carbopol Polymer Dispersions
Carbopol polymers are unique in that they provide a wide range of viscosity profiles and have very high
yield values, even at low concentrations. These combined features enable the formulation of oral or topical
suspensions that are stable with low levels of polymer.
Yield value is more important than viscosity when determining suspending ability of a vehicle. While
viscosity can only slow down the rate of sedimentation, a high yield value is necessary to create permanent
suspensions.
While all Carbopol polymers are efficient suspending agents, medium/highly crosslinked polymers have
higher yield value than lightly crosslinked polymers such as Carbopol 971P NF polymer (Figure 14).
Refer to TDS-244 to calculate a theoretical yield value for a suspension.
Figure 14: Effect of Polymer Type on the Brookfield Yield Value of Carbopol Polymer Dispersions at pH 6.0

Brookfield yield value (dynes/cm 2)

20000

971P NF
974P NF
980 NF
Ultrez 10 NF

15000

ETD 2020 NF
5984 EP
10000

5000

0
0

0.5

1.5

2.5

concentration (%)

The data included represents one lot of each polymer in an aqueous system. The performance of the
polymers in other conditions (alternative vehicles, coexcipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients)
might be different. It is recommended that key performance properties be ascertained and regulatory
considerations be taken into account in the process of formulation development.
Carbopol polymers have been used in a variety of commercial liquid and semisolid formulations containing
the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) noted in Table 2. These APIs have been incorporated in a
variety of dosage forms: solutions, suspensions, emulsions, lotions, creams, gels and toothpaste for
peroral or topical administration (skin, mucosa - oral, ophthalmic, nasal, rectal, vaginal).

TDS-730
Viscosity of Carbopol Polymers in Aqueous Systems
Page 10 of 10
Table 2: Commercial Liquid and Semisolid Formulations Containing Carbopol Polymers
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Adapalene
Aescin
Allantoin
Amorolfine hydrochloride
Azelaic acid
Benzocaine
Benzoyl peroxide
Betamethasone dipropionate
Betaxolol hydrochloride
Brinzolamide
Ciclopirox
Clarithromycin
Clindamycin
Clobetasol propionate
Clocortolone pivalate/ hexanoate
Clotrimazole
Crotamiton
Cyclosporine
Dexamethasone
Dexpanthenol
Domperidone
Diclofenac
Diethylamin-Salicylate
Estradiol

z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Estriol
Etofenamate
Eucalyptus oil
Extracts (Capsicum, Arnica)
Fluocinonide
Fluorouracil
Fusidic acid
Ganciclovir
Glycerin
Heparin sodium
Hydrocortisone
Hydroquinone
Hydroxyethylsalicylate
Ichthammol
Indomethacin
Isotretinoin
Ketoconazole
Ketoprofen
Lidocaine
Menthol
Mesalamine
Methyl salicylate
Metronidazole
Miconazole nitrate

z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z

Naftifine hydrochloride
Nepafenac
Nevirapine
Nonoxynol 9
Nystatin
Octyl methoxycinnamate
Permethrin
Polidocanol)
Prilocaine
Progesterone
Retinol palmitate
Rimexolone
Simethicone
Sodium alginate
Sodium fluoride
Sodium hyaluronate
Testosterone
Thioridazine
Timolol maleate
Tretinoin
Tyrothricin
Urea