Highly transparent thixotropic thickener/gel maker. Forms clear gels after hydration in water and can build thixotropy in hydroalcoholic/organic-solvent systems within recommended solvent limits.
Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate (For Organic Solvent) is a highly transparent thixotropic thickener based on a synthetic layered silicate.
Although insoluble in water, it hydrates and swells to form clear, colorless colloidal dispersions; at ~2% or higher in water it can build highly thixotropic gels.
It is also effective for creating thixotropy in organic solvents when the solvent fraction is controlled and the material is properly hydrated/dispersed in a water phase.
Product Description: The layered silicate platelets form a three-dimensional network after hydration, producing viscosity and shear-thinning (thixotropic) behavior with high clarity. This makes it useful for premium personal care gels where transparency and stable structure are required.
Product Description: In water systems, allow sufficient hydration time for full viscosity development (softened water may build viscosity gradually over ~24 hours; hard water may build viscosity much faster). Warm water can improve dispersion and hydration kinetics.
Product Description: In organic-solvent or hydroalcoholic systems, pre-disperse/hydrate the product in the water phase under high shear, then add solvent gradually. Exceeding recommended solvent fractions can reduce gel strength and stability.
| Solvent | Recommended maximum solvent fraction |
|---|
| Methanol | 50% |
| Ethanol | 30% |
| Isopropanol | 30% |
| Ethylene glycol | 50% |
Usage: Clear water gels; hydroalcoholic gels; systems requiring thixotropy and high clarity; organic-solvent gels (ethanol/isopropanol/methanol) when used with an appropriate water phase.
Mixing method:
- Add slowly into the water phase under high shear to avoid clumping; continue mixing until fully dispersed.
- Allow hydration time for viscosity development; viscosity may continue to build over time (especially in softened water).
- Add other components after dispersion/grinding, or use a pre-gel made in water and then incorporate into the final formula.
- For hydroalcoholic/organic-solvent systems: hydrate/disperse in water first, then add solvent gradually and keep within the recommended maximum fractions.
Usage rate: 0.5–4% (typical gel-building levels ~2–4% in water; optimize by desired viscosity and system composition).
Product characteristics: Fine white to off-white powder.
Solubility: Not water-soluble; dispersible in water where it hydrates/swells to give clear colloidal dispersions. Used as a thixotropic agent in hydroalcoholic/organic-solvent systems when properly hydrated and within solvent limits.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.
INCI Name: Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate
