Hybrid Atelier - EQUIPMENT

Material • Studio

Safety Training is REQUIRED before using this resource and must be cleared by Hybrid Atelier personnel.

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Carbomer 940 is a high-molecular-weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer used as a thickening, gelling, and suspending agent for aqueous systems (USP grade). Supplied as a fluffy white acidic powder, it swells in water and, once neutralized with a base such as triethanolamine or NaOH, forms clear high-viscosity, shear-thinning gels at very low concentrations. In the lab, it serves as a well-characterized model hydrogel and yield-stress fluid—useful for rheology reference measurements, suspension/emulsion stabilization, and preparing tunable soft-material test samples.

Specs * Chemical: Crosslinked polyacrylic acid (carbomer), (C3H4O2)x * CAS-No.: 9003-01-4 | INCI: Carbomer | Grade: USP * Form: White, fluffy, hygroscopic powder; faint characteristic odor * Acidity: ~pH 2.5–3.3 in 0.5–1% aqueous dispersion (acidic before neutralization) * Neutralizer: ~1–2% triethanolamine (TEA) or NaOH to reach pH ~6–7 for peak gelation * Typical use level: ~0.1–1% in water * Behavior: Disperses/swells in water; forms clear gel on neutralization * GHS: Not classified (no pictogram or signal word required) * Practical hazards: Dust irritation + combustible dust * NFPA: Health 1 / Fire 1 / Reactivity 0 * Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers; high electrolyte/cationic content and low pH reduce gel viscosity

Eye Protection

Safety glasses or goggles — particles cause mechanical eye irritation.

Nitrile Gloves

Wear nitrile gloves when handling the powder.

Tie Back Hair

Secure long hair when weighing or transferring powder.

Lab Coat

Wear a lab coat while handling.

Wash Hands

Wash hands after handling and before breaks.

Hazards

Dust irritation: airborne powder can irritate eyes and the respiratory tract; sensitive individuals (e.g., asthmatics) may react * Combustible dust: fine powder can form explosive dust clouds; ignitable by heat, sparks, or static * Slippery when wet: hydrated/neutralized gel makes floors and surfaces very slick * Mildly acidic: unneutralized dispersions are low-pH * Hygroscopic: absorbs moisture, clumping if left open

Things to Avoid

Creating dust clouds; inhaling the powder
Ignition sources, open flame, and static near airborne dust
Getting powder or gel in the eyes
Leaving the container open (moisture uptake and caking)
Contact with strong oxidizers
Discharging bulk powder or gel into drains or waterways

Safety Checks

Adequate ventilation / work near local exhaust if handling larger quantities
No ignition sources, open flames, or static-generating conditions nearby
PPE on (glasses, dust mask if dusty, gloves) before opening the container
Container labeled and kept tightly closed; stored away from oxidizers
Eyewash accessible; spill/absorbent cleanup ready

Operational Checks

Weigh and transfer gently to minimize dust; avoid pouring from height or using compressed air
Disperse slowly into water with stirring to avoid clumps ("fish eyes")
Neutralize with TEA/NaOH to target pH to develop the gel
Keep away from heat and incompatible materials during handling
Wash hands after handling and before breaks

Cleanup

Sweep or vacuum spilled powder gently—avoid raising dust; a HEPA/particle-filter vacuum is preferred
Use damp wiping for residual powder rather than dry brushing or air
Collect in a labeled closed container for disposal
Wipe up hydrated gel promptly (slip hazard); do not wash bulk powder or gel down drains
Reseal the container; store cool and dry; log usage

Carbomer 940