Introduction to Formulations | Chemistry for Grade 10 PDF Download

All About Formulations

• A formulation is a mixture that has been designed for a specific purpose to deliver a commercial product
• Formulations are complex mixtures that are made by following an exact recipe
• Each component of the formulation has a particular purpose
• Every part of the formulation is present in carefully measured quantities so that the final product has the required properties
• An everyday example of a formulation is paint
• Paint contains the following substances in exact quantities:
  • Pigment: gives the paint colour
  • Binder: forms a film that holds the pigment in place
  • Solvent: used to dissolve the other components and alter the viscosity
• Formulations are very important in the pharmaceutical industry where the exact ratios of each component must be precise
• By changing the formulation of a particular medicine chemists can make sure it delivers the drug to the correct part of the body at the right concentration, that it’s safe to consume and has an adequately long shelf life
• Other examples of formulations are: fuels, cleaning agents, alloys, fertilisers and foods
• The information on the packaging of some products tells you the formulation as a percentage composition

Paints are a complex formulation of pigments, binders and solvents

Exam Tip

Formulations are not compounds as the components are not chemically combined.