Answers regarding Pro Polymer and Xanthan Gum

Here are answers to your questions about dissolving Pro Polymer and Xanthan Gum and removing air bubbles from the gel:

1. Dissolving Pro Polymer and Xanthan Gum with heat

Based on the information available, heat is generally not recommended for dissolving Pro Polymer and Xanthan Gum. The recommended methods involve mixing in the water phase, often with high-speed stirring or blending. For Pro Polymer, it's suggested to sprinkle the powder onto the liquid while stirring and avoid heating. For Xanthan Gum, mixing into the water phase with high-speed stirring or pre-mixing with glycerin or oil before adding to water is advised. Using heat is not mentioned as a standard method and could potentially affect the polymer structure.

2. Removing air bubbles from the gel

The air bubbles in the gel are typically caused by the high-speed mixing required to hydrate and disperse the polymers. To minimize and remove air bubbles to get a clear gel like aloe vera gel:

• Avoid over-mixing: Once the gel has formed, reduce the mixing speed. Excessive high-speed blending can whip air into the mixture.
• Allow the gel to rest: After mixing, let the gel stand undisturbed for a period (e.g., several hours or even 24 hours, as suggested for some polymers like Pro Polymer). This allows trapped air bubbles to naturally rise to the surface and dissipate.
• Mix slowly after resting: If further mixing is needed after resting, use a very slow speed to avoid reintroducing air.
• Consider the grade of gum: Some grades of Xanthan Gum, such as the "clear gel type, smooth texture," are specifically designed to produce clearer gels with less stringiness, which might also contribute to fewer visible bubbles.

By using appropriate mixing techniques and allowing sufficient resting time, you can significantly reduce air bubbles and achieve a clearer, more aesthetically pleasing gel texture.