thickening
chemistry
Quick Summary
In chemistry, "thickening" refers to the process of increasing the viscosity of a liquid, making it denser or more viscous. This is often achieved by adding a "thickener," which is a substance that increases the liquid's resistance to flow.12
Key aspects of thickening:
- Viscosity: This is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. A thicker liquid has higher viscosity.3
- Thickeners: These are additives used to increase viscosity. Examples include modified cellulosic polymers, carrageenan, and certain polymers like xanthan gum.24
- Applications: Thickening is crucial in various industries, including surface coatings, food products (like sauces and dressings), pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In mineral processing, thickening (or sedimentation) is used to settle solids from a suspension, aiding in dewatering.245
Thickening can also describe a substance becoming less clear or more concentrated. The term "thinned" is the opposite, indicating dilution or a lack of important substances.16
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