Understanding Kelzan S
An In-Depth Look at Industrial-Grade Xanthan Gum
Key Highlights
- Exceptional Rheology: Exhibits pseudoplastic behavior providing high viscosity under low shear and thinning under high shear.
- Versatile Applications: Used in cleaning products, agricultural chemicals, coatings, and pigment suspensions.
- Superior Stability: Non-lumping and stable across varying pH and electrolyte conditions.
Overview of Kelzan S
Kelzan S is an industrial-grade xanthan gum that has been engineered to meet the stringent requirements of various industrial applications. Manufactured through a controlled fermentation process, it results in a high molecular weight, anionic polysaccharide that finds extensive use in both household and industrial products.
Product Characteristics
As a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer, Kelzan S is known for its ability to enhance the texture and stability of water-based systems. It is particularly valued for its:
Rheological Properties
Kelzan S displays pseudoplasticity—a phenomenon where the gum demonstrates high viscosity when at rest, but becomes considerably less viscous when subjected to shear forces such as mixing, pumping, or spraying. This reversible behavior ensures that formulations remain stable during storage yet can be easily processed when needed.
Dispersion and Stability
One of the standout features of Kelzan S is its ability to disperse easily in water without forming lumps. This enhances the efficiency of its incorporation into various formulations. Additionally, the gum maintains high viscosity under low-shear conditions while thinning under high-shear conditions, and it is highly stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. Its compatibility with high concentrations of electrolytes such as salts and anionic surfactants further expands its usability in diverse environments.
Applications of Kelzan S
Kelzan S plays a vital role in multiple industrial sectors thanks to its unique functional properties. Below is an overview of its primary applications:
Household and Industrial Cleaners
In cleaning formulations, Kelzan S acts as a thickener and stabilizer. It ensures that cleaners have the right viscosity, improving their performance by keeping particles in suspension and ensuring uniform distribution of the active ingredients. The non-lumping characteristic contributes to better overall consistency in these products.
Agricultural Chemicals
In the realm of agricultural chemicals, this xanthan gum aids in creating pesticide suspension concentrates. Its ability to stabilize these suspensions ensures an even distribution of active components, which is crucial for the effective delivery of pesticides in agricultural applications.
Textured Coatings, Pigment, and Mineral Suspensions
In coatings and paint formulations, Kelzan S ensures excellent texture and stability. Its ability to maintain a high viscosity under low-shear conditions is beneficial in achieving the desired consistency. Similarly, in pigment and mineral suspensions, it prevents settling and separation, thereby enhancing the quality of the final product.
Cosmetic Formulations
Beyond industrial cleaners and agricultural chemicals, Kelzan S is also employed in cosmetic formulations. Its rheological properties allow for the development of gels and lotions that are smooth, stable, and aesthetically pleasing. The controllable viscosity contributes to formulations that are both effective and easy to apply.
Technical Specifications and Properties
The technical characteristics of Kelzan S are carefully tailored to meet the needs of various applications. The following table provides an overview of its key technical specifications:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Xanthan gum (polysaccharide) |
| Production Process | Fermentation of carbohydrates |
| Solubility | Easily dispersible in water with non-lumping characteristics |
| Viscosity Behavior | High at low shear, low at high shear (pseudoplastic) |
| Compatibility | Works well with high concentrations of electrolytes and surfactants |
| Typical Usage Levels | 0.1% to 0.5% based on water weight |
| Stability | Excellent pH and temperature stability |
Industrial Implementation and Benefits
Enhanced Product Performance
The integration of Kelzan S in industrial applications is largely driven by its ability to modify textures, stabilize suspensions, and create controlled viscosity profiles. These features are particularly beneficial in formulations where consistency and long-term stability are paramount. By preventing the settling of pigments or the separation of emulsions, Kelzan S contributes to improved product performance overall.
Economic and Operational Advantages
Utilizing Kelzan S in manufacturing processes helps reduce formulation challenges such as clumping and phase separation. Its excellent dispersion properties minimize waste and improve processing times, which can result in cost savings and enhanced efficiency in production. Furthermore, its broad compatibility with a range of other formulation components makes it a reliable choice for proactive product innovation.
Handling and Storage
For optimal performance, Kelzan S should be added to water while the system is being adequately stirred, ensuring a uniform dispersion. It is often pre-slurried in water-miscible liquids to further facilitate easier integration into formulations. Handling practices include storing the gum in well-ventilated, sealed packaging to preserve its quality and functionality over time.
Practical Considerations in Product Formulation
Formulation Strategies
Formulators prefer Kelzan S because it can be incorporated into diverse systems with minimal alterations to their base compositions. Its flexibility allows for modifications in recipes to tailor the texture and stability of final products. Whether fine-tuning the flow characteristics in a cleaning spray or ensuring suspension stability in a pesticide concentrate, Kelzan S offers a straightforward solution.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
One of the critical aspects of successful formulation is ensuring that all components are chemically and physically compatible. Kelzan S excels in this regard, showing robust performance even in the presence of high concentrations of electrolytes and surfactants. This compatibility minimizes the risk of undesired interactions, such as precipitation or destabilization, which is particularly important in multi-component systems.
References
- Detailed Product Specifications - UL Prospector
- Kelzan S Overview - Chemiteca
- Industrial Applications - Azelis
- Product Information - CP Kelco
-
Technical Data Sheet - Knowde
- Industrial Xanthan Gum Details - Ataman Chemicals
- UL Prospector Main Site
- CP Kelco Homepage
- Azelis Explore
- Chemiteca Listing
Recommended Further Queries
Last updated March 3, 2025