PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone

Functions
Surfactant
Emulsifier
Dispersant
Hair conditioning
Skin conditioning

PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone is an excellent silicone-based surfactant for all classes of personal care formulas, particularly well suited in skin care. Specially designed for mixed oil-in-water emulsions, it is more hydrophilic and less film-forming than PEG-10 Dimethicone.

This copolymer consists of two distinct structures: 1) a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS ) portion (shown in "m" bracket below); and 2) a polyethylene oxide (PEO) graft chain (shown in "n" bracket below). For instance, a broad range of HLB values is possible by varying the molecular weight ratio of PDMS to PEO.  Generally, the higher the ratio, the lower the HLB value.

The viscosity of the surfactants can be altered by varying the molecular weight at a fixed PDMS:PEO weight ratio.  Capping the PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone PEO chain with a methyl ether lowers the HLB slightly and increases fluidity. It has very low surface tension (~22 dynes/cm) and acts as a nonionic dispersant and/or emulsifier in mixed silicone/organic oil systems.

PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone feels lubricious, adds gloss, and reduces static in hair care applications. It is a pale yellow liquid and used in spray applications to produce a finer spray pattern and is compatible with ethyl alcohol.
Synonyms
Gransurf 71