Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Stefan on 06/03/2007 15:12:34

Title: Making 'GEL'
Post by: Stefan on 06/03/2007 15:12:34

I've read somewhere that 'GEL' like substance is made of 95% mineral oil (food grade), and 5% polymer resin. 
This resin is a powder that, when mixed with the mineral oil, transforms it to a more solid state. 
This solid state is then melted to make a finished product that RESEMBLES 'transparet soap'.

Can anyone pls. elaborate on this process i.e is there heating required when mixing the 2 ingredients in the initial stage, or adding something else...

Stef     

Title: Making 'GEL'
Post by: ROBERT on 06/03/2007 15:21:08

By "GEL" do you mean "Superabsorbent polymer" ?:-

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Experiment: Water Jelly Crystals - Superabsorbent Polymers

Just add water and watch them grow. The white pebble-like crystals absorb tremendous amounts of water... like a water-slupring sponge. These so-called Water Jelly Crystals are actually classified by scientists as a superabsorbent polymer. Water Jelly Crystals can soak up to about 300 times their weight in water! Today, Water Jelly Crystals are being used to hold water in the soil so it can be released to plants as they need it, and they can help reduce watering demands of plants by up to 80% in drought conditions. That's water-saving science!

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http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1283

Title: Making 'GEL'
Post by: Stefan on 07/03/2007 05:45:02

Thanks Robert.  The final product is very similar to Jello !!

But do you know if there is any heating required when mixing the oil & resin powder or addition of anything else?

Stef

Title: Making 'GEL'
Post by: ROBERT on 07/03/2007 15:51:56

Sorry Sefan I'm not familiar with the process you are trying to describe.
The only thing I know about ingesting mineral oil is that it is a powerful laxative. [xx(]
http://adc.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/archdischild%3b85/2/121