The Ability to Form Cross-Linking Coatings on a Surface Is a Highly Desirable Property for Formaldehyde-Free Resins

 

Formaldehyde-Free Resins has become more popular for use in a variety of products and even for household cleaners. If you need to switch to formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde resins, pros can help you find both effective alternatives with much less or no formaldehyde substance at all. Here are some important facts that you need to know about these natural alternatives.

Formaldehyde-Free Resin: How Pure is It?

Companies that produce these types of resins are required by law to include formaldehyde as an ingredient in at least a very small amount of their formulation. The specific amount is determined by the purpose and by the type of product. An alcohol-based formulation would need less formaldehyde than a glycerol-based or petrolatum-based mixture. The exact amount of a particular ingredient is usually determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Components of Formaldehyde-Free Resin

A major component of this type of resin is the amino group of urea. This amino group contains one or two hydroxyl groups that bond to the carbon of the amino acid. When these hydroxyl groups are blended with a base like glycerol, the result is the creation of a compound called urea. This urea is the precursor of the glycerol molecule. Glycerol is one of the main ingredients in cosmetics, especially in lotions, oils and creams.

The aromatic hydroxy compound is a sugar and a powerful antifungal that has been in use for decades. The sugar allows the creation of a cross-linking agent when it reacts with certain essential oils. The most commonly found example of this reactive component is the fragrance of rose. However, the most suitable embodiment of this type of resin would have to be the lipophilic (fat soluble) version. This type is the one typically used in cosmetic products (such as lipstick and lotions).

The crosslinking refers to the ability of the urea to form a cross-linking bond when it comes in contact with another highly reactive substance. Crosslinking can occur in many forms, such as when water is introduced into the reactive resin. When water acts on the urea it forms hydrogen bonding agents that form a crosslinking barrier. The crosslinking property of the urea favors its use as a substitute for parabens.