Ichthammol Dispersion in Pro Polymer Gel
Question
I ordered Ichthammol and made a gel using Pro Polymer Gel Maker. The formula is: Water to 100%, EDTA 0.2%, Glycerin 1%, Mild Preserved 1%, Pro Polymer 0.60%, Ichthammol 5%. I initially mixed all ingredients to form the gel base, then added Ichthammol and blended, but it was very thick and did not dissolve. So, I heated the beaker containing all ingredients to no more than 60 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes. After re-blending, the formula mixed together. The Ichthammol dispersed in the formula, and I've attached a picture to show how it dispersed. It looks like fibrous strands. Is this how it is supposed to disperse?
Answer
Ichthammol Dispersion in Pro Polymer Gel
Based on your description and the properties of the ingredients, it is plausible for Ichthammol to disperse as fibrous strands within a gel matrix made with Pro Polymer, especially at a concentration of 5%.
Here's why:
- Ichthammol Properties: Ichthammol is a dark, viscous liquid. While it can disperse in substances like glycerin, alcohol, or oil, it may not fully dissolve into a clear solution in a water-based polymer gel like the one created with Pro Polymer.
- Pro Polymer Gel Structure: Pro Polymer creates a gel structure through a polymeric network. When a viscous substance like Ichthammol is incorporated, it might disperse within this network as fine particles or strands rather than becoming completely homogeneous.
- Heating: Heating the mixture, as you did, helps to reduce the viscosity of Ichthammol temporarily, allowing it to disperse more easily throughout the gel base. However, it doesn't necessarily change its solubility or how it interacts with the polymer network upon cooling.
Therefore, the fibrous appearance you observed is likely the way Ichthammol is dispersing within your specific gel formulation. It indicates that the Ichthammol is distributed throughout the gel, even if not fully dissolved into a clear state.
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