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Polyquaternium-11 is one of a number of cationic ammonium compounds (polymeric ammonium salts), collectively referred to by chemical compound classification labels such as: cationic polymers, polycationic polymers, and positively-charged (cationic) tetra-substituted nitrogen derivatives. The polycationic polymers comprise over thirty-five compounds approved by the INCI (International Nomenclature for Cosmetic Ingredients) for use in industrial manufacture of personal care products; and are classified as polyquaterniums, each with its own identity number. They are sometimes referred to by their shortened names: 'polyquats' and 'quats'. Restrictions on use of polyquaterniums do not allow their use in either undiluted or raw forms. Instead, they must be mixed with water or alcohol at specified dilution rates. Other restrictions may apply.
A few of the polyquaterniums are derived from natural polymers found in cellulose and guar gum. Most, however, are synthesized in commercial laboratories, after being chemically-engineered for specific properties. The synthesis involves creation of polymers based on monomers such as VP (vinyl pyrrolidone), QVI (quaternized vinylimidazole), (DADMAC) diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; and methacrylic acid (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), an ethyl ester also known as 2-propenoic acid. In a different context, DADMAC (C8H16N) is also used for synthesis of synthesis of one of its polypolymers, PDADMAC (also written as pDADMAC), which is used in manufacture of wound dressing products. Additionally, both DADMAC and PDADMAC are used in wastewater treatment processes.
Polyquaternium-11 is known for properties such as being: antistatic (prevention of hair static), film-forming (required for hair-conditioning), and hair fixative (capable of hair flattening). Like a number of other INCI-approved polyquaterniums, it is used primarily in hair care products, cosmetics, and other personal care products. Ones with antimicrobial properties are used elsewhere in industrial manufacture of commercial products such as contact lens cleansing solutions.
In performance studies conducted by a major chemical manufacturer, cationic guar gum was compared to three compounds from the polyquaternium series. Polyquaternium-10 was found to rinse well, but to be a less effective conditioner than either Polyquaternium-7 and Polyquaternium-11. Polyquaternium-7 and Polyquaternium-11 performed better than cationic guar gum, which was stated to have the lowest performance level. Of the compounds tested, Polyquaternium-44 was found to be the best performer. The studies included atomic microscopy, and tests for conditioning efficacy, wet-combing of conditioned hair, rinse and build-up forming capacities, as well as for texture results.
