Polyquaternium-7, a copolymer of acrylamide and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), appears across a range of personal care products and various industrial sectors. Its molecules carry a positive charge—a feature rooted in the quaternary ammonium groups in the structure. I have worked with cationic polymers in both lab and industrial settings, and what stands out about Polyquaternium-7 is the way it binds to negatively charged surfaces such as hair, skin, textiles, and even certain mineral particles. Formulators choose this material to enhance conditioning, reduce static, and modify rheology. The copolymer solution presents as a clear to slightly hazy liquid, often colorless or pale yellow, which signals both purity and stability for quality control purposes.
Polyquaternium-7 shows up on technical data sheets with a molecular formula of (C8H16ClN) and variable molecular weights, depending on the synthetic process. It can be supplied as a liquid, but manufacturers may also offer it as flakes, solids, powders, pearls, or crystals to meet different storage and formulation requirements. For liquid grades, the active content usually sits between 8% and 10%, viscosities range from thin to syrupy textures, and the density averages around 1.05–1.10 grams per liter. Solid forms demand careful handling due to their hygroscopic nature, so I always recommend closed containers with proper labeling in settings focused on keeping the polymer dry and stable. Reputable companies list the HS Code commonly as 390690 (for other acrylic polymers in primary forms). On safety data sheets, you'll spot CAS numbers such as 26590-05-6, helping procurement teams match exact chemical identities while scanning for regulatory compliance.
The polymer’s backbone features acrylamide and DADMAC in a statistically random configuration, lending Polyquaternium-7 the ability to both increase viscosity and provide a cationic charge density high enough to neutralize anionic sites on proteins and surfaces. This dual-action behavior underlies its broad popularity. The cationic segments fend off static, while the acrylamide units stabilize aqueous formulations. High solubility in water, resistance to temperature-induced changes, and negligible vapor pressure round out its technical appeal. Environmental safety does need constant review—while the monomers used to make Polyquaternium-7 can present toxicity issues, the final polymer itself tends to be far less hazardous, though downstream effects in the environment cannot be ignored. The industry pushes to minimize unreacted acrylamide in all batches. I have seen strict batch-release criteria and regular audits in action; companies work to keep residual levels below legal limits, with certificates of analysis to prove it.
Polyquaternium-7 in its liquid form usually arrives as a ready-to-use solution, useful for saving time in batch mixing on production lines. The solution is easy to dilute or blend at room temperature. For applications needing longer shelf life or higher transport efficiency, the polymer becomes available as solid powders or flakes. These forms allow for easy weighing and portioning but require care during dissolution, with slow addition to avoid lumping, and protection from excess moisture to maintain flowability. The form chosen often impacts quality control programs and equipment maintenance routines. Those working with solid polymers quickly see the value in proper material handling and dust mitigation—not only for operator safety but for keeping processes running smoothly. Storage rooms need good ventilation and clear hazard communication labeling lined up with international GHS standards.
Everyday shampoos and conditioners depend heavily on Polyquaternium-7’s antistatic and film-forming characteristics. The polymer helps detangle hair, create smoother textures, and impart a sense of softness, all without the greasy residue left by some traditional conditioners. Brand managers point to it as the ‘conditioning polymer’ of choice due to its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with a range of surfactants. Industrial water treatment also draws on its ability to adjust charge balance in wastewater streams, boosting flocculation and settling. Textile finishing, paper production, and even oilfield operations harness these qualities to improve process efficiency and product quality. I have seen the tide turn in production lines once the right grade and proportion are selected—operators report fewer foaming issues and cleaner equipment, while customers notice a clear improvement in finished product feel and look.
Polyquaternium-7 must be handled with awareness of both chemical composition and intended end use. As shipped, the solution form holds only low levels of toxicity, with harmful effects mostly tied to skin and eye irritation. Workers need to wear adequate protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, and invest in eye wash stations and ventilation for spaces handling dust or aerosols from powders. Chemical safety assessments show that the highest risk stems from inhalation of powders, so dust controls and air monitoring should run as standard practice. Disposal always requires attention to both local and international rules for polymer substances. In consumer products, the risk profile shifts; regulators watch for unreacted impurities, allergenic response, and biodegradability. Finished products go through patch testing and strict analytical checks, ensuring the material won’t harm end users. Eco-toxicology studies continue, with the scientific focus set on minimizing environmental persistence and understanding long-term effects of cationic polymers on aquatic life. Manufacturers draw on these findings to update processes and deliver polymers that strike a balance—performance, cost, and responsibility toward both people and the planet.
