Formulations (AQA GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

What is a formulation?

• A formulation is a mixture that has been designed as a useful 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
  • 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
  • Paint contains the following substances in exact quantities:

Why are formulations important?

• 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

Paint is an example of a formulation

Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash

Paints are a complex formulation of pigments, binders and solvents