Advice on Using Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker) in Large Cold Batches

Thank you for your question regarding speeding up the dissolution of Pro Polymer™ (Gel Maker) when producing large cosmetic batches (100 kg) using a cold process without heating.

Pro Polymer™ is a polymer that requires time to properly hydrate and dissolve in water to form a gel, especially in a cold process. While it doesn't require heat, achieving rapid dissolution in a large volume can be challenging.

Based on the product information, here are some methods and considerations to help improve the dissolution speed and ease of dispersion in a large cold batch:

• Pre-dispersion in Glycols: If your formulation contains Glycerin or Propylene Glycol at a concentration higher than 5%, you can pre-mix the Pro Polymer™ powder thoroughly with this glycol first. This helps to wet the powder particles and prevent clumping when added to water, leading to faster and more even dispersion.
• Continuous Stirring and Slow Addition: When adding Pro Polymer™ to the water phase, ensure continuous and effective stirring of the entire batch volume. Sprinkle the powder slowly and evenly across the surface of the liquid while stirring. For a large 100 kg batch, using appropriate mixing equipment that can create good circulation throughout the tank is crucial for distributing the powder quickly and preventing localized clumping.
• Proper Storage: Ensure the Pro Polymer™ powder is stored correctly in a sealed container, protected from moisture. Moisture exposure can cause the powder to coagulate, making it much harder and slower to dissolve.
• Avoid Over-Blending: While stirring is necessary for dispersion, avoid using excessively high shear or blending speeds (above 2500 rpm) once the gel begins to form, as this can damage the polymer structure and reduce its thickening efficiency.

For a large production scale like 100 kg, relying solely on manual sprinkling and stirring might be inefficient. Investing in mixing equipment that allows for better powder induction and circulation within the tank will significantly help in achieving faster and more consistent dissolution of Pro Polymer™ in a cold process.

Even with optimized dispersion methods, allowing adequate time for the polymer to fully hydrate is still important for achieving the desired viscosity and stability of the final product.