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DESCRIPTION
Dimethicone 100 (PDMS 100) is a silicone polymer composed of repeating siloxane units (Si-O-Si) with methyl groups attached to the silicon atoms.
Dimethicone 100 (PDMS 100) is primarily used as a skin-conditioning agent, emollient, and anti-foaming agent in cosmetic formulations.
Dimethicone 100 (PDMS 100) helps to improve the spreadability and texture of products, giving them a smooth and silky finish.
Dimethicone 100 (PDMS 100) is also widely used for its ability to provide water resistance and act as a barrier
Cas Number
63148-62-9
Synonyms
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS),Dimethylsilicone,Dimethicone fluid,Trimethylsiloxy-terminated siloxane,Silicone oil,Silicone fluid
Dimethicone 100, a highly versatile silicone polymer, has become integral in various sectors, especially in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
This article delves into the chemical properties, synthesis methods, physical and chemical characteristics, and the diverse uses of Dimethicone 100.
Emphasis is placed on its application in personal care products, medical uses, and its role in industrial settings.
The article also discusses safety concerns, regulatory standards, and future trends surrounding this important compound.
Introduction
Dimethicone 100, a form of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is a type of silicone oil that has gained significant importance across several industries.
It is one of the most commonly used silicones due to its stability, low toxicity, and unique surface properties.
Silicones, in general, are synthetic polymers made from siloxane (Si-O) chains combined with organic groups such as methyl groups.
Dimethicone 100 is a lighter variant of silicone fluids, offering desirable characteristics such as smooth texture, water resistance, and high thermal stability, which make it ideal for formulations in personal care products, medical devices, and industrial solutions.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Dimethicone 100 is composed of a long chain of repeating siloxane units (Si-O), with each silicon atom bonded to two methyl groups (-CH₃).
The number of siloxane units and the length of the polymer chain determine its molecular weight and viscosity, with Dimethicone 100 falling under a medium-viscosity category compared to other forms like Dimethicone 350 (lower viscosity) and Dimethicone 1000 (higher viscosity).
The general structure of Dimethicone is:
(CH₃)₃SiO[SiO(CH₃)₂]nSi(CH₃)₃
Where "n" represents the number of repeating siloxane units, defining the polymer’s molecular weight and its physical properties.
This structure provides the characteristic properties of Dimethicone: hydrophobicity, low surface tension, and heat stability.
Production and Synthesis of Dimethicone 100
Dimethicone 100 is synthesized by polymerizing siloxane monomers, such as dichlorosilane and methyltrichlorosilane, under controlled conditions.
The reaction involves:
Hydrolysis: Methyltrichlorosilane reacts with water to form silanol groups (-SiOH).
Condensation: The silanol groups undergo condensation, eliminating water and creating siloxane (Si-O) linkages.
The resulting compound is a polymer with a specific molecular weight, which is adjusted by controlling the synthesis conditions (time, temperature, catalyst concentration).
Dimethicone 100 is then purified, usually by distillation, to remove any unreacted raw materials, ensuring a high-quality final product.
Regulatory standards such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) provide guidelines for the purity and quality of Dimethicone used in consumer products.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Dimethicone 100 exhibits several key physical and chemical properties that make it suitable for diverse applications:
Viscosity: Dimethicone 100 has a medium viscosity, which makes it ideal for smooth-texture formulations without being overly greasy.
Thermal Stability: It can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, making it ideal for use in products exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
Hydrophobicity: The methyl groups (CH₃) attached to the silicon atoms impart strong water-repelling properties, making Dimethicone 100 highly useful in water-resistant formulations.
Surface Tension: It has low surface tension, which allows it to spread evenly on surfaces, giving products a smooth, silky feel without clogging pores.
Solubility: Dimethicone 100 is generally insoluble in water but can dissolve in organic solvents like alcohol and toluene.
Its compatibility with various other ingredients makes it suitable for diverse formulations.
Applications in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Dimethicone 100 is primarily used in cosmetic and personal care products due to its skin-friendly properties and unique texture. Its functions in these products include:
Emollient: As an emollient, Dimethicone 100 helps to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier that locks moisture in, enhancing the skin’s natural hydration.
Silicone-Based Moisturizers: It is often used in moisturizers and lotions for its ability to form a barrier against water loss while leaving the skin feeling soft and non-greasy.
Hair Care: Dimethicone 100 is a common ingredient in conditioners, shampoos, and styling products.
It smooths the hair cuticle, reducing frizz, enhancing shine, and making hair more manageable.
Makeup Products: Its smooth texture improves the spreadability and wearability of foundation and other makeup products, providing a long-lasting, non-greasy finish.
Sensitive Skin: Dimethicone 100 is known for being non-irritating, making it suitable for use in products for sensitive skin, including baby care products and formulations for people with skin conditions such as eczema.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Dimethicone 100 is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for a range of medical and therapeutic purposes:
Medical Device Lubrication: It is commonly used to lubricate medical devices, such as catheters, surgical instruments, and stents, ensuring smooth insertion and reducing friction during medical procedures.
Topical Creams and Ointments: Dimethicone 100 is used in formulations for skin protection, such as barrier creams for patients suffering from incontinence or those exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Wound Healing: Dimethicone 100 is used in products intended to aid wound healing by forming a protective barrier over the skin and reducing irritation from external elements.
Antifoaming Agent: In oral formulations, Dimethicone 100 is often used as an antifoaming agent to reduce bloating and discomfort caused by excess gas.
Industrial and Household Uses
Beyond personal care and pharmaceuticals, Dimethicone 100 is also widely used in industrial and household applications:
Lubrication: Dimethicone 100 is used as a lubricant in industrial machinery, reducing wear and tear on components.
Anti-Foaming Agent: In manufacturing processes (e.g., in the production of paper or textiles), Dimethicone 100 acts as an anti-foaming agent, preventing the formation of unwanted bubbles during chemical processes.
Coatings and Sealants: Due to its water-repelling properties, Dimethicone 100 is added to coatings and sealants for its ability to provide a durable, smooth finish that resists moisture and corrosion.
Fabric Softeners and Cleaners: It is used in products like fabric softeners and cleaners to enhance the smoothness and anti-static properties of fabrics.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT DIMETHICONE 100
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
