One will see by looking at the labels of many common products such as medical products, senior foods, cosmetics, adhesives, polymers, and paints that thickeners are used for many different types of products. Thickening agents are called three different names depending on its purposes. When it is in a small amount, but highly viscous, it is labeled as a thickening agent.
When used to thicken a liquid or jelly, it is known as gelling agents. If it is used to increase and stabilize the thickness of a food, it is known as a stabilizer.
For example, when it is used for medical use, stabilizers are used to suspend the active ingredients where it needs to stay. Specifically, by having a certain viscosity, eye drops for example, when applied, thickeners will keep the medicine from dripping out of the eyes and also help the medicine spread evenly. Also, in the medical field, for those that have trouble swallowing, adding thickeners can make it easier for patients to eat.
Viscosity of Thickener
VISCO™ measurement examples
Spindle : A3L
Sample temperature : 29.5℃
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