Perhaps few people have ever heard of such a chemical as glycerin. Due to its properties, it has found application in various fields of production and spheres of life. Its history begins in 1779, when the Swedish scientist Carl Scheele discovered a new compound by heating olive oil with lead oxide. And in 1811, Michel Chevrel proposed an industrial method for obtaining glycerin, putting its large-scale production on stream. This method is used to this day. We will learn what glycerin is, how it is made, where it is used, and what features have led to its popularity.
What it is
Glycerin belongs to the class of trihydric alcohols. This is a viscous transparent substance with a sweetish aftertaste, odorless and absolutely non-toxic to humans. When wondering what glycerin looks like, many probably imagined a liquid jelly-like substance from a pharmacy bottle. Yes, that's exactly what it looks like.
For many, acquaintance with this remedy began with a pharmacy. Instructions for the use of glycerin, the price of the drug - all this information is contained in the information insert for the product. And certainly many once studied this information. But we, in our desire to learn more, will go beyond the recommendations for use.
Types of glycerin
The question of what glycerin is obtained from is of interest to many. This substance is of three types: animal, vegetable and synthetic origin. However, the times when animals were used to produce this reagent are gone forever. In modern conditions, the most popular method of obtaining is vegetable raw materials: natural oils - soybean, olive, rapeseed, as well as the process of fermentation of sugars.
The main properties of glycerin
Having figured out what glycerin is made of, let's move on to its features. This connection:
- highly soluble in water and alcohol, bromine, phenol, mercury chloride, alkaloids;
- interacts poorly with ethers and hydrocarbons;
- highly hygroscopic - actively attracts water molecules,
- has a calorie content above average - in 1 tsp. l. The substance contains 27 calories due to the presence of sugar in the composition - the substance is 60% sweeter than sucrose, while taking glycerin does not increase blood sugar levels and caries does not form.
We add to this that the described substance melts at 18°C, and boils at 290°C.
Where is used
What is glycerin for? The scope of its application is so wide that it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. It is in demand in various industries. To support the statement with facts, we list where glycerin is used.
And it finds its application in the following industries:
- medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,
- food industry,
- agriculture (crop processing),
- textile industry (softening fabrics),
- production of resins and plastics,
- pulp and paper industry - production of paper, tracing paper, napkins and parchment,
- military affairs (when creating dynamite and gunpowder),
- printing works (applying paints).
To finally understand why liquid glycerin is used in a particular area, we will touch on the most popular industries in this regard.
In cosmetology
Glycerin is often included in the composition of cosmetics. Its use is in demand in the production of soap, gently caring for even sensitive and irritated skin. The described component contains many creams, lotions, shampoos, shower gels, emulsions, masks and other products of the beauty industry. This substance has many useful qualities that are indispensable for the beauty and health of the skin, hair, nails.
Here are the most important of these characteristics:
- moisturizing ability,
- healing effect and regeneration of damaged tissues,
- inhibition of the aging process,
- removal of harmful compounds, toxins, subcutaneous fat, dirt,
- antiseptic action,
- creating a protective barrier.
To be completely objective, talking about the role played by Glycerine (international name) in cosmetics, we will make a reservation. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best moisturizers. But under certain conditions.
It's all about the humidity of the air at which the product is used. If the moisture saturation is high, then the substance will attract water from the air, nourishing the skin. If the air is dry, moisture will be drawn out of the body. That is why this component in cosmetics always works in tandem with another active element that provides proper hydration from the outside, and not vice versa.
In medicine
Another answer to the question of what liquid glycerin is used for is the use of this substance in medicine and pharmacology. So, due to its viscosity, it is often added to preparations in order to achieve the desired consistency.
Connection usage examples:
- Preparation of solutions high concentration. Here, glycerin replaces water, allowing you to achieve the desired degree of viscosity. Its presence in the composition prolongs the shelf life of ointments, lotions, gels.
- Production of rectal suppositories, tablet shells, cough syrups, laxatives for adults, drugs to reduce intracranial pressure.
- Included in antiseptic solutions for hands, preventing alcohol from overdrying the skin and creating a thin protective film.
food
Are you interested in what food grade glycerin is used for in the production of various products? We answer. In the food industry, this substance is known as additive E422. It is an effective preservative that prolongs the freshness and preserves the appearance of food.
It finds its application in the production of:
- confectionery products, being responsible for improving the consistency;
- bread and pastries, preventing the formation of a hard crust and providing splendor to the dough;
- pasta, preventing them from sticking together during cooking;
- lemonades, liqueurs, giving them a milder taste, thickening them;
- chocolate, making it more tender;
- ice cream, stabilizing the taste;
- chewing gum, replacing sugar and increasing viscosity.
In the tobacco industry
Continuing to understand where glycerin is used, we note that it is also used in the manufacture of cigarettes. And both classical and electronic. The substance acts as a moisture regulator for smoking mixtures. It is added to tobacco to prevent drying out.
In electronic cigarettes, it is involved in the formation of vapor, and also becomes the basis of the smoking mixture, being part of the finished liquid. Glycerin for vape, being part of the cartridges, does not allow them to dry out for a long time.
At home
Why is glycerin needed in everyday life? This miracle remedy can be needed in many cases and make life much easier. Here are a few life hacks that you can take note of as an example.
So with the help of this substance you can:
- Remove berry stains. This will not be possible to do immediately, but it will definitely be possible to save the thing. To do this, the stains are treated with glycerin, the contaminated fabric is soaked for an hour, and then washed in salted water. The result will please - there will be no trace of color stains.
- Restore laminate shine. By simply adding a few drops of product to the water and running a damp cloth over the surface, you will see how the flooring shines again.
- Protect glass and mirror surfaces from dust and dirt. Wipe the furnishings that require treatment with a glycerin solution. Dissolving in water, the substance not only creates a soft foam, but is also distributed over the surface with a protective film that repels pollution,
- Extend the life of the bouquet. Dissolve a little of the product in water and place flowers there. A bouquet in such a solution will last much longer.
- Soften your handsby preparing a bath with the addition of glycerin. The procedure will moisturize the skin and make it well-groomed.
- Return to face a radiant and healthy look will help a mask with glycerin and vitamin E, made by yourself.
It is simply necessary to have at home such a useful remedy in all respects as glycerin. He will always find a use in everyday life.
How to make glycerin at home
You can always buy glycerin at a pharmacy, especially since the price of this remedy is affordable for everyone. But what if you urgently need to prepare glycerin at home? To do this, prepare the following:
- saucepan
- capacious container made of stainless steel or heat-resistant glass,
- slotted spoon
- sieve,
- wooden spoon
- glass container,
- thermometer,
- 1.9 kg beef (internal) fat,
- 342 g alkali,
- 995 mg water
- salt.
When you are done with the preparation phase, proceed to the following steps:
- cut the fat into small pieces and melt it in a saucepan. Remember that this process will be accompanied by an unpleasant odor, so it is best to do this in a well-ventilated area.
- Make an alkaline solution. Pour the powder into the water and mix gently. Remember that the preparation of alkali is accompanied by the release of heat, be prepared for this.
- melted fat Remove from heat, stir well and cool to 35°C.
- Alkaline solution also cool to 35 ° C and pour it into the fat of the same temperature, vigorously stirring the resulting mixture.
- Continuing to stir, add add salt to the mixture, adding it until a thick syrup appears on the surface. Under this syrup, a liquid forms at the bottom. When this happens, stop stirring.
- Collect the syrup with a slotted spoon It's nothing but soap. It can be melted again, poured into molds. If there is no desire to mess around with soap making, then this blank can be simply poured out - it is absolutely harmless.
- What remains below under the so-called syrup, and there is glycerin. After it has cooled, it can be strained to remove impurities.
Our review has come to an end, and we hope that we have managed to uncover the essence of the question, what is glycerin for. This is a widespread pharmacy tool, which is not difficult to find. If desired, the drug can also be ordered via the Internet in any volume that interests you. There you will also find out how much glycerin costs, as well as get guarantees of a quality product.
If you want to make the tool yourself, you have a step-by-step instruction at hand, following which it is easy and simple to get the desired result. Be that as it may - whether you use a ready-made preparation or a do-it-yourself preparation - you will significantly Simplify your life, take care of skin hydration, simplify cleaning and help flowers to please their beauty.
