How to Look at Food Additives Correctly?

What are Food Additives

Food additives refer to chemical synthetic or natural substances added to food to improve food quality, color, aroma, taste, as well as for anti - corrosion and processing technological needs.

 

Classification of Food Additives

Food additives can be divided into three categories: natural extracts, substances obtained by fermentation methods, and pure chemical synthetic substances. Most natural food additives belong to the first two categories, usually using substances existing in nature as raw materials.

 

Functions of Food Additives

Extend the shelf - life of food: Food is prone to spoilage due to factors such as microorganisms and oxidation during production, storage, and transportation.

Improve the sensory quality of food: The color, aroma, and taste of food are important factors attracting consumers.

Facilitate food processing and production: In the food processing process, some additives can play a role in improving processing performance.

Retain the nutritional components of food: Certain food additives can also protect the nutritional components in food and reduce their loss during processing and storage.

 

Common Misconceptions about Food Additives

"Zero - addition" means safer: "Zero - addition" does not mean that the food is absolutely free of any additives. In some cases, not using additives may cause the food to spoil more easily, increasing the food safety risk. In addition, even if there are no artificially synthesized additives in the food, there may be naturally occurring similar substances, such as benzoic acid in fruits.

All food additives are harmful: Food additives are safe when used within the specified scope and dosage. Many food additives are excreted from the body during the human metabolism process and do not harm health. On the contrary, without food additives, the shelf - life of food will be shortened, and the quality will decline, which may lead to more food waste and food safety problems.

 

A Correct View of Food Additives

Eliminate fears and misunderstandings about food additives by learning about relevant knowledge, including their types, functions, and safety assessments.

Choose to buy food from regular supermarkets, shopping malls, and other channels. The food sold in these places usually undergoes strict quality inspection and supervision, and the use of food additives in them is more in line with standards.

Maintain a balanced diet structure and consume a variety of foods, reducing reliance on a single food. This can reduce the intake of food additives.

 

 

In summary, food additives are an indispensable part of the modern food industry, playing an important role in ensuring food safety, improving food quality, and facilitating food processing. Although there are some misunderstandings among the public about food additives, as long as they are used within a legal and reasonable scope, and undergo strict safety assessment and supervision, food additives are safe and reliable. We should approach food additives with a scientific and rational attitude, and ensure the food safety and health of ourselves and our families through learning relevant knowledge, paying attention to food labels, and choosing legitimate channels to purchase food.

Is Boric Acid Safe for Humans?

Boric Acid (chemical formula: H₃BO₃) is an inorganic compound and is classified as a hazardous chemical. It appears as a white crystalline powder with a slippery feel and is odorless. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, but since it is a dangerous chemical, care must be taken when handling it. Its CAS number is 10043-35-3.

 

What are the main applications?

Industrial :Boric acid is widely used in glass production, especially in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass, optical glass, and fiberglass. The addition of boric acid improves the heat resistance and chemical resistance of the glass.

Agricultural :Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth. Boric acid is commonly used as a fertilizer to supplement the boron content in the soil. Boron helps promote flowering, fruiting, and root development in plants.

Household :Boric acid has insecticidal properties and is often used to control pests like cockroaches and ants. It is effective in eradicating these pests.

Pharmaceutical :Boric acid solutions are commonly used as skin disinfectants for treating minor wounds, skin infections, or eye infections. It has mild antibacterial properties, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

 

What first aid measures should be taken when encountering danger on different occasions?

Inhalation Exposure
Quickly move to an area with fresh air. Keep the airway open. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing or heartbeat stops, immediately perform CPR and seek medical attention.

Skin Contact
Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin thoroughly with flowing water. Seek medical attention.

Eye Contact
Immediately separate the eyelids and wash the eyes thoroughly with flowing water or saline solution. Seek medical attention.

Ingestion
Rinse the mouth and drink water. Seek medical attention immediately.

 

 

Therefore, boric acid is a useful but potentially hazardous chemical. By taking appropriate safety measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment, following usage instructions, keeping it away from children and pets, and properly handling leaks and emergency situations, the health risks associated with boric acid can be effectively minimized.

Is Carbomer Safe for your Skin?

You may have seen Carbomer as an ingredient in skincare products, but do you know its benefits?

 

Carbomer, also known as Carbopol, is an acrylic crosslinked polymer made by crosslinking pentaerythritol and acrylic acid. It is a very important rheology modifier. When neutralized, Carbomer forms an excellent gel matrix with thickening, suspending, and other important functions. It has a simple process and good stability, making it widely used in lotions, creams, gels, and other products.

 

Characteristics of Carbomer

Carbomer can effectively thicken formulations at very low concentrations (typically 0.25%-0.5%). It can create a wide range of viscosities and different rheological properties for lotions, creams, gels, and transdermal formulations.

 

Benefits and Effects of Carbomer

Skin Protection

Carbomer provides a certain level of protection to the skin, especially for skin frequently exposed to UV rays. Skincare products containing Carbomer help protect the skin, reduce UV irritation, and prevent skin damage.

Carbomer contains components that effectively resist UV rays, making it especially suitable for summer use. When applied to the skin, products with Carbomer can enhance the skin's ability to resist UV damage, reducing the harm from UV rays. Therefore, using sunscreen products containing Carbomer helps prevent skin darkening and UV damage.

Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial

Carbomer is a natural medicinal ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is effective in alleviating eye inflammation, reducing pain and redness. Carbomer also has excellent healing effects on skin wounds and is effective in improving various gynecological inflammations.

 

 

Carbomer is a skin-safe ingredient widely used in various skincare and pharmaceutical products. Its low irritancy, non-toxicity, and gentle biocompatibility make it a common additive in skincare products, ointments, eye care, oral care, and other products. Of course, in rare cases, some individuals may have allergic reactions to certain cosmetic ingredients, but this is uncommon and typically does not affect most users.

 

What are the effects of Thickeners in Cosmetics?

Today, let's get to know one of the common ingredients in cosmetics: Thickeners.

Thickeners are hydrophilic polymer compounds that, when dissolved or dispersed in water, can increase the viscosity of the liquid and maintain the relative stability of the system.

 

Functions of Thickeners

Increase Viscosity: They make skin care products more viscous, enabling them to stay better on the face.

Enhance Stability: Thickeners reconcile the contradiction between water and oil, closely binding water molecules, oil molecules, active substances, etc. together, allowing them to be evenly distributed in the product and form a stable structure.

Modify Rheological Properties: Essentially, thickeners are rheological additives. After adding thickeners, the rheology of the cosmetic formula can be modified, thus changing its appearance.

Improve Skin Feel: They improve the user experience of skin care products, making the skin feel smooth when using them. Common thickeners include xanthan gum, gum arabic, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carbomer, etc.

 

 

Thickeners themselves are not harmful. However, if a product contains an excessive amount of thickeners, it may cause problems such as acne and skin damage. So, how can we know the amount of thickeners added?

 

This is when we need to look at the product's ingredient list. Generally, the earlier an ingredient appears in the list, the higher its content. If ingredients like xanthan gum or carbomer are listed very early in a product, then it is likely that the product is mainly composed of thickening agents with very few active ingredients. Prolonged use of such a product can easily damage the skin.

What does MSG do?

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is also referred to as Ajinomoto, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium glutamate, and alpha-amino-glutaric acid sodium salt, among other names.

 

Commom Food

Additives: MSG, chicken essence/chicken powder, oyster sauce, soy sauce, soup base, instant noodle seasoning packets, pre-made broth, seafood sauce, fish sauce, hot pot base, soybean paste, barbecue sauce, etc.

Natural sources of monosodium glutamate: meats (beef, pork, chicken, etc.), seafood, beans, mushrooms, dairy products, vegetables, nuts, etc. The content is usually not as high as in processed foods with added MSG.

 

Functions

Enhancing Flavor: Monosodium glutamate can stimulate specific taste receptors on the tongue, particularly amino acid receptors, which results in a sensation of umami, one of the five basic tastes.

Promoting Appetite: Due to its flavor-enhancing properties, monosodium glutamate can increase a person's appetite and help improve the digestibility of food.

Reducing Salt Intake: As monosodium glutamate enhances the flavor of food, it allows for a reduction in the amount of salt used, while still maintaining or improving the taste of the food.

Medical Uses: Monosodium glutamate also has medical applications, such as playing a role in the treatment of chronic diseases.

 

Usage Limits

European Union (EU): The maximum allowable intake of glutamate and its salts (including monosodium glutamate) for consumers is 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.

United States (USA): MSG is permitted as a food additive with no specific limits, but it must be produced and used according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

China: According to the national standard (GB 2720-2015), the content of monosodium glutamate in MSG must be ≥99%, and there is no specific limit on its usage in food processing, though other relevant regulations on food additives must be followed.

 

Although reports suggest that long-term excessive intake may be associated with symptoms such as mood disturbances and insomnia, as long as the intake is limited, the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) remains safe.

How to increase the molecular weight of polyacrylamide?

To increase the molecular weight of polyacrylamide (PAM), you can consider the following methods:

 

1. Use a higher concentration of monomer: Increasing the concentration of acrylamide monomer in the polymerization reaction can lead to higher molecular weight polymers. However, it is important to note that increasing the monomer concentration beyond a certain point may result in the formation of cross-linked gels instead of linear polymers.

 

2. Use a higher initiator concentration: The initiator initiates the polymerization reaction and affects the rate of polymerization. By increasing the initiator concentration, you can promote a higher degree of polymerization, resulting in higher molecular weight PAM.

 

3. Use a longer polymerization time: Polymerization reactions take time to reach completion. Extending the polymerization time allows for a longer polymerization process, leading to higher molecular weight polymers.

 

4. Use a higher reaction temperature: Increasing the temperature of the polymerization reaction can accelerate the reaction rate. This increased reaction rate can lead to a higher degree of polymerization and, consequently, higher molecular weight PAM. It's important to note that the reaction temperature should be within a range that doesn't result in unwanted side reactions or degradation of the polymer.

 

5. Use a chain transfer agent: Chain transfer agents are used to control the polymerization process. In some cases, adding a chain transfer agent can increase the molecular weight of PAM. For example, using a long chain transfer agent like 1-dodecanethiol can result in higher molecular weight polymers.

 

6. Employ a controlled polymerization technique: Techniques such as controlled radical polymerization (e.g., atom transfer radical polymerization, nitroxide-mediated polymerization) and living polymerization allow for better control over the polymerization process, resulting in narrower molecular weight distributions and potentially higher molecular weight PAM.

 

Keep in mind that these methods are general strategies to increase the molecular weight of PAM. Depending on the specific requirements and constraints of your application, you may need to optimize these parameters and explore other techniques to achieve the desired molecular weight for your polyacrylamide.

Flocculent polyvinyl alcohol PVA 1799H

PVA1799H, with its distinctive white flocculent appearance, stands out from conventional granular PVA. Flocculent polyvinyl alcohol is prepared by the composite of polyvinyl alcohol and other substances. It has a rod-like and helical structure, which makes it different in properties ‌.

 

Flocculent PVA

Flocculent polyvinyl alcohol 1799H has higher crystallinity, higher blocking distribution of residual acetic acid, lower surface tension of aqueous solution than granular polyvinyl alcohol, and better colloidal protection than flake polyvinyl alcohol. In addition, flocculent PVA has a lower density than flake PVA, which makes it easier to handle in certain conditions where mixing facilities are not perfect.

 

This unique variant of PVA offers a wide range of applications and brings several advantages to different industries. In the printing and dyeing industry, it is mainly used for viscosification, thickening and sizing; In the paper industry, it can increase the viscosity of the slurry and form a protective film during the drying process to prevent the powder from falling off during the pulping process. In the food industry, flocculent polyvinyl alcohol is commonly used as a preservative. In addition, in the construction industry, flocculent polyvinyl alcohol has a high temperature viscosity, suitable for grouting operations, and can be used as a modified material of asphalt, with good permeability resistance ‌.

PVA 1799H

PVA, including specialized variants like PVA1799H and PVA100-27H, holds great potential in the global market due to its unique characteristics and eco-friendly nature. As industries increasingly adopt sustainable practices, the demand for PVA as an alternative to traditional materials continues to rise.

 

The global market for PVA is experiencing steady growth, driven by factors such as increasing environmental consciousness, stringent regulations on packaging waste, and the need for biodegradable materials. PVA, being a renewable resource with excellent water solubility and biodegradability, offers a promising solution to these challenges.

 

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ElephChem Holding Limited, professional market expert in Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) and Vinyl Acetate–ethylene Copolymer Emulsion(VAE) with strong recognition and excellent plant facilities of international standards.

Understanding the PVA Dissolution

PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) is a versatile polymer known for its excellent water solubility. The dissolution of PVA is a crucial step in various applications, such as film production, adhesives, and textile processing. When immersed in water, PVA undergoes the hydration process, forming a gel-like structure. As water molecules penetrate the PVA polymer chains, hydrogen bonding occurs, leading to the separation of polymer chains and subsequent dissolution.


Temperature plays a significant role in the PVA dissolution process. Higher temperatures generally accelerate the dissolution rate due to increased molecular motion and higher kinetic energy. However, excessively high temperatures can lead to the degradation of PVA, affecting its performance. It is recommended to maintain the temperature within a suitable range for optimal dissolution without compromising the integrity of the polymer. Elephchem can provide polyvinyl alcohol in different mesh sizes.


The particle size of PVA particles also influences the dissolution rate. Finer particles have a larger surface area, allowing for faster water penetration and molecular interaction. In comparison, larger particles have a smaller surface area, resulting in slower dissolution rates. For instance, PVA with 12-mesh, 25-mesh, and 80-mesh particle sizes will exhibit varying dissolution rates, with finer particles dissolving more rapidly.


Stirring plays a crucial role in enhancing the PVA dissolution process. When the water and PVA mixture is stirred, it increases the surface contact area between the polymer and the solvent, facilitating faster dissolution. Agitation also helps in preventing the formation of lumps or clumps, ensuring uniform dissolution throughout the solution. Proper stirring techniques and equipment can significantly improve the dissolution efficiency.


Apart from temperature, particle size, and stirring, several other factors can affect the PVA dissolution process. These factors include the concentration of PVA in the solution, pH levels, presence of impurities, and the compatibility of additives. It is important to consider these variables and optimize the dissolution conditions accordingly for specific applications. Please refers to "PVA dissolution methods"


The dissolution process of PVA is influenced by multiple factors, including temperature, particle size, stirring, and various environmental parameters. Understanding these factors is crucial when working with PVA to achieve desirable dissolution rates and ensure optimal performance in different applications. As an environmentally friendly and water-soluble polymer, PVA offers a wide range of application opportunities, from packaging films to adhesives, textiles, and more. Its versatility and potential for sustainable solutions make it a promising material for various industries worldwide.

 

Website: www.elephchem.com

Whatsapp: (+)86 13851435272

E-mail: admin@elephchem.com

ElephChem Holding Limited, professional market expert in Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) and Vinyl Acetate–ethylene Copolymer Emulsion(VAE) with strong recognition and excellent plant facilities of international standards.

Enhancing Efficiency and Performance with PVA

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial manufacturing, optimizing processes and improving product quality are key objectives. One material that has emerged as a game-changer in various industries is Polyvinyl Alcohol, commonly known as PVA. With its unique properties and versatility, PVA has revolutionized industrial processes, offering enhanced efficiency, reliability, and performance.

 

One of the notable applications of PVA lies in textile sizing. PVA, as a water-soluble synthetic polymer abundant in strength and flexibility, provides exceptional results when used in textile sizing processes. By evenly coating the fibers, PVA enhances their strength and improves the fabric's dimensional stability. Fabrics treated with PVA exhibit superior weaving performance, increased tensile strength, and resistance to abrasion.

 

PVA's water-soluble nature is a remarkable advantage in various industrial processes. As a water-soluble synthetic polymer, PVA offers diverse applications, including as a film-forming agent, a binder, and a thickener. It dissolves easily in water, making it an ideal choice for industries such as packaging, adhesives, and detergents. Moreover, being eco-friendly and biodegradable, PVA aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials.

 

Adhesives play a vital role in numerous industries, from construction to automotive manufacturing. PVA, as a chemical raw material for adhesive production, brings exceptional bonding strength and reliability to the table. When used in adhesive formulations, PVA provides optimal adhesion to various substrates, delivering superior bond strength and durability. Its versatility allows for customizing the adhesive properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

 

As the demand for efficiency, performance, and sustainability continues to rise, PVA stands at the forefront of innovation. Its remarkable properties and diverse applications position it as a key player in driving industrial advancements. Embracing PVA as a revolutionary material empowers businesses to unlock new possibilities, increase productivity, and contribute to a great future.

 

Website: www.elephchem.com

Whatsapp: (+)86 13851435272

E-mail: admin@elephchem.com

ElephChem Holding Limited, professional market expert in Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) and Vinyl Acetate–ethylene Copolymer Emulsion(VAE) with strong recognition and excellent plant facilities of international standards.

Why is VAE Emulsion Gaining Popularity in the Market?

Vinyl Acetate Ethylene copolymer emulsion, also known as VAE emulsion, is a versatile material that has gained significant recognition in the market. One of the key factors driving its popularity is its exceptional performance in the textile industry. VAE emulsion is widely used for textile sizing, a vital process that imparts desirable properties to fabrics, such as strength, stiffness, and resistance to shrinkage. The use of VAE emulsion in textile sizing results in improved yarn cohesion and enhanced fabric stability, leading to high-quality and durable garments.

 

Another area where VAE emulsion is gaining prominence is in the architectural field. As a binder, VAE emulsion(like CW40-707) is extensively employed in architectural coatings, including exterior paints, interior wall paints, and textured coatings. Its excellent film-forming capabilities provide coatings with enhanced weather resistance, water repellency, and durability. Additionally, VAE emulsion improves color stability and gloss, resulting in visually appealing finishes for various architectural surfaces.

 

The versatility of VAE emulsion extends beyond textiles and coatings. It finds applications in other sectors, including adhesive production. Many adhesives on the market use VAE emulsion as a key ingredient due to its outstanding adhesive properties, flexibility, and high bonding strength. Whether it's woodworking, paperboard lamination, or packaging, VAE emulsion delivers reliable adhesion, ensuring the integrity of bonded surfaces, such as CW40-705, CW40-716.

 

The increasing popularity of VAE emulsion can be attributed to its unique characteristics that set it apart from traditional materials. VAE emulsion is a water-based dispersion made of vinyl acetate and ethylene monomers. This copolymerization process results in a high-quality emulsion that offers excellent stability, exceptional adhesive properties, and enhanced performance in various applications.

 

Moreover, VAE emulsion is recognized for its eco-friendly nature. As a water-based synthetic polymer, it is relatively safer and more sustainable compared to solvent-based alternatives. Its low volatile organic compound (VOC) content makes it environmentally friendly and compliant with stringent regulations.

 

When it comes to choosing VAE emulsion, it is essential to partner with a reliable supplier like us who can provide high-quality Vinyl Acetate Ethylene copolymer emulsion tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to explore how VAE emulsion can transform your industry and elevate your products to new heights performance.

 

Website: www.elephchem.com

Whatsapp: (+)86 13851435272

E-mail: admin@elephchem.com

ElephChem Holding Limited, professional market expert in Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) and Vinyl Acetate–ethylene Copolymer Emulsion(VAE) with strong recognition and excellent plant facilities of international standards.