A Quick Guide to Monomer and Polymer for Nails

29 Apr.,2024

 

A Quick Guide to Monomer and Polymer for Nails

There’s a large list of nail terminology that you can review. However, we break down two terms regarding acrylic nails. Read this quick guide to monomer and polymer for nails for more information!

For more redispersible powderinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Understanding Liquid Monomers

Monomer is a molecule that adheres to other molecules to form a polymer. Monomers are composed of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) and other monomer additives. Monomers are known as the “liquid” for acrylic sets. Furthermore, this liquid pairs with nail polymers to create a paste-like texture that forms long-lasting acrylic manicures. When you purchase monomers, they typically have a purple tint. It also has UV inhibitors that protect nail polymers from yellowing or other discoloration.

Types of Monomers

There are different types of monomers you can select based on your preference. Normal monomers are popular because the hardening process takes two to three minutes. Competition monomers dry the fastest (hence the name “competition”). Slow-setting monomers’ hardening process takes more than three minutes. Slow-setting is great for beginner nail technicians or at-home manicures. Lastly, odorless monomers are popular choices because they don’t emit a strong smell!

What Is Nail Polymer?

Nail polymer is a powder with an acrylic base. When you combine it with liquid monomer, the chemical reaction creates a paste you can use to sculpt nails. Nail polymer is commonly known as acrylic or dip powder. The product is necessary for all acrylic sets, and it’s available in various colors.

Common Polymer Nail Art Colors

Although polymers come in many colors, there are shades that nail technicians use for nail art. Check out the common colors:

  • Peach is a natural tone for light designs.
  • White is for french manicures.
  • Light white is for a natural-looking french manicure.
  • Pink imitates natural nails, and it’s great for sharp lines.
  • Crystal pink is good for sculpting nails while creating a base for french manicures.

Important Precautions

While you’re using liquid monomers and nail polymers, allergic reactions can occur. It’s important to handle both products with care and avoid skin contact. Essentially, the products should only touch nails. If allergic reactions occur, remove the products!

Get the Right Products

After taking a look at the guide to monomer and polymer for nails, you can purchase both products knowing some background information. If you’re interested in acrylic sets, you can create the best manicures with Kiara Sky all-in-one powder today!

Super-Absorbing Polymer Powder - Gelfand Center

Super-Absorbing Polymer Powder

Sodium polyacrylate is an example of a super-absorbing polymer. It is a cross-linked (network) polymer that contains sodium atoms. It absorbs water by a process called osmosis. When the (sodium-containing) polymer is placed in contact with water, there is a tendency for the sodium to distribute equally between the network and the water. That means, some of the sodium atoms want to leave the network and move to the water. When these sodium atoms leave, they are replaced with water molecules. Water swells the polymer network to try to keep the sodium concentration balanced between the polymer and the water. The cross-links that connect the chains together prevent them from dissolving/breaking apart in the water. Sodium polyacrylate can absorb 800 times its weight in distilled water, but only 300 times its weight in tap water, since tap water contains some sodium, calcium and other mineral salts.

The experiment below will illustrate this phenomenon.

Supplies needed:

  • Sodium Polyacrylate powder (available from Flinn Scientific Inc.)
  • PolySnow™ powder (available from Flinn Scientific Inc.)
  • 2 - 10 oz clear plastic cups
  • Distilled water
  • Squeeze bottles or containers of known volume
  • Salt

Procedure:

1. Place 1/8 teaspoon of sodium polyacrylate powder in a plastic cup
2. Place 1/4 teaspoon of PolySnow™ in another cup.

3. Using a 4 oz. squeeze bottle, slowly add distilled water to each of the powders, stirring gently; letting each powder absorb the water before adding more.

Want more information on hypromellose tile adhesive? Feel free to contact us.

4. Continue adding water to both cups until absorption seems to stop.

Observations:

  • Gently touch the polymers in the cups. What do they look and feel like?
  • Are they a solid or a liquid?
  • How does PolySnow™ differ in appearance from the sodium polyacrylate?
  • Does PolySnow™ absorb as much water as the sodium polyacrylate?
  • Add a teaspoon of table salt (NaCl) or calcium chloride to both the swollen polymers. Observe what happens?
  • Did the addition of salt have the same effect on the PolySnow™ as with the sodium polyacrylate?

Super-absorber Power Calculations:

In the case of the sodium polyacrylate, 1/8 teaspoon of the powdered polymer weighs 0.35 grams; 4 oz. of water weigh 120 grams. How many times its own weight in water did the polymer absorb?

Answer: 120g/0.35g=342.86 or approximately 343 times its weight!

Sodium polyacrylate and PolySnow™ are both forms of the same material and are both examples of super-absorbing polymers. The amount of cross-linking, called the crosslink density, determines the properties of the super absorber. Sodium polyacrylate and PolySnow™ differ in the amount of cross-linking. Sodium polyacrylate has fewer cross-links, and therefore can absorb more water than the PolySnow™. PolySnow™ gets its name from the fact that, within a certain concentration range, it absorbs water to form not the usual gel, but white particles that resemble snowflakes.

 

Sodium polyacrylate is the main ingredient in baby diapers used to "keep baby dry". It can absorb about 30 times its own weight in urine. An extension of this experiment involves taking a baby diaper apart to determine which part of the diaper "keeps baby dry".

Addition of salts of sodium or calcium reverses the swelling process. Water is no longer needed inside the polymer to balance the salt concentration, so the structure collapses or deflates.

SAFETY NOTE:

Polyacrylate is non-toxic. It is, however, irritating to the eye and nasal membranes. Always wear chemical splash goggles when using this material. The gelled material can be disposed of in the trash. Do not put it in the sink, as it may clog the drain!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit construction grade hpmc supplier.