Abstract: Carbomer or cross-polyacrylate polymers which are conventionally provided in a powdered form are converted to a granulated, pelletized or tablet form for subsequent use, in combination with a liquid medium, to form a gel from which products such as liquid detergents, cosmetics and toiletries can be produced. Conversion of the polymer into a granular, pelletized or tablet form has been demonstrated to improve handling of the dry polymer, thereby mitigating against many of the problems incurred with the use of conventional powders, as well as to improve the rate of blending of the polymer with a liquid medium. In some embodiments, the polymer is blended with an electrolyte which may be a salt, acid or acid salt having a pK which is at least 1 unit, and preferably 2 units, greater than the pK of the polymer.

Abstract: Carbomer or cross-polyacrylate polymers which are conventionally provided in a powdered form are converted to a granulated, pelletized or tablet form for subsequent use, in combination with a liquid medium, to form a gel from which products such as liquid detergents, cosmetics and toiletries can be produced. Conversion of the polymer into a granular, pelletized or tablet form has been demonstrated to improve handling of the dry polymer, thereby mitigating against many of the problems incurred with the use of conventional powders, as well as to improve the rate of blending of the polymer with a liquid medium. In some embodiments, the polymer is blended with an electrolyte which may be a salt, acid or acid salt having a pK which is at least 1 unit, and preferably 2 units, greater than the pK of the polymer.

Abstract: The invention of this patent application relates to carboxylic acid polymer compositions and in particular relates to concentrates of polymers which are subsequently used to prepare gels formed of diluted and neutralised polymer. Said polymers are currently supplied in a powder form. The polymers prepared by the addition of multivalent cations provide a concentrate which is the invention of this application and can be provided in either an aqueous form or granular or pelletised form which serves to eliminate existing problems in the powder form relating to the dispersion of the powder in water, the development of electrostatic charges in the said powder and the dusting of the powder. The concentrate of the invention provides a polymer for subsequent dilution and neutralisation for use as a gel wherein the conversion from one state to another is greatly improved.