Ch. 5 Chemistry #1: Fundamentals of Chemistry

Ch. 5 Chemistry #1: Fundamentals of Chemistry

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Classifications of Matter

Chemistry is scientific study of matter, which is anything that occupies space

Three Basic Forms of Matter

• Solids: Matter with definite weight, volume & shape

• Liquids: Matter with definite weight & volume, but no shape

• Gases: Matter with definite weight, but indefinite volume & shape

Changes to Matter

• Matter can change in two ways:

• Physical change: Change in physical form of a substance without creating a new substance

• Chemical change: CHange in a substance that creates a new substance with different material characteristics from original substance

Elements

Fundamental substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances

Atom

Smallest possible unit of an element

Five Elements in Keratin

Five elements form the protein found in nails known as keratin:

1. Carbon

2. Oxygen.

3. Hydrogen

4. Nitrogen

5. Sulfur

One easy way to remember the elements that make up nails is the acronym: COHNS

Molecules & Compounds

• Molecules: Two or more atoms joined by a chemical bond

• Compounds: A molecule composed of two or more different kinds of atoms joined together

Chemical Reactions

Occurs when substances of two or more molecules interact & undergo a chemical change

Polymerization

Chemical reaction that takes place when creating artificial nails. Process occurs when certain type of molecule, called monomer molecule, comes together with other monomer molecules in a chemical reaction to form three-dimensional networks, or polymer chains.

Initiators

Chemical compound that causes chemical reaction to start

Photo Initiator

Used in light-cured products; ingredients absorb light to create energy needed to begin curing process

Catalyst

Substance that controls speed at which chemical reaction occurs

Inhibitors

Chemicals that prevent product from polymerizing too soon

Ch. 5 Chemistry

Chemistry of Nail Products

Nail Product Removers

• Acetone: Clear, highly flammable liquid solvent used in both nail polish removers & artificial nail product removers

• Effects of Acetone: Can dissolve skin's natural oils & dry out skin

• Non-Acetone Polish Removers: Used to prevent nail product from softening

Safe Methods for Heating Solvents

• Loosen lid & run hot water over bottle

• Saturate cotton ball, place it on the finger & wrap with foil

• Place small bowl of solvent into a larger bowl of warm water; place client's fingers in a bowl of solvent

Nail Polish Ingredients

Six main ingredients in nail polish:

1. Resin

2. Solvents

3. Plasticizers

4. UV Stabilizers

5. Pigments

6. Dispersants

Nail Polish Ingredients & Functions

• Resin: Tough material that holds polish together

• Solvents: Liquids that dissolve a solid, liquid & gas. Substance dissolved by the solvent is called a solute. Evaporation is the act of liquids leaving a substance.

• Plasticizers: Additives that keep polish flexible after it is dry

• UV Stabilizers: Additives that keep polish from changing color when exposed to too much UV light

• Pigments: The essence of polish

• Dispersants: Additives that help pigments mix with resin & solvent

Adhesives & Priming Agents

• Adhesion: Type of molecule attraction that causes two different surfaces to stick together; makes two incompatible surfaces adhere to one another

• Adhesives: Create bond between two incompatible surfaces, such as nail tip & nail plate

• Priming Agents: Create adhesion needed between nail plate & nail enhancement product such as acrylic artificial nail product; used in most acrylic liquid & powder systems & some gel systems

Remember...

When using primers, it's recommended to use safety goggles & gloves to avoid contact with skin during application; this is especially important when applying a primer containing methacrylic acid

Methacrylic Acid

Works to rid nail plate of any remaining oils in order to create strong bond between nail product & nail plate

How Primers Bond

Molecules have an "acid group" at one end & an "acrylic group" at the other; acid group bonds to nail protein & acrylic group bonds to acrylic enhancement as it cures

Monomers & Polymers

• Monomer: Small, single molecule that may become chemically bonded to other monomer molecules to form a polymer when it comes into contact with an initiator.

• Polymer: Made up of many monomers that are chemically bonded to form chains or undergo polymerization, a chemical reaction that links the molecules together from end to end

• Mono is from the Greek prefix meaning one.

• Poly is from the Greek prefix meaning many. One small granule of acrylic powder contains thousands of different polymer chains.

Cross-Linking Monomers

Formed when monomers link together end-to-end in a single-file line

Cross-Linking Monomers

Create a web effect by linking one monomer to four or sometimes six monomers to create cross-linked polymers; form an even stronger bond that imparts strength to the nail or artificial nail