Lecithin in the technical field

laundry detergent

Detergents and fabric softeners containing lecithin give textiles made of wool, cotton, synthetics and mixed fabrics a pleasantly soft and fluffy feel, even in hard water.

Lecithin in its capacity as a natural quat allows the reduction or even elimination of synthetic quats or other cationic softeners and thus meets the ecological desires of consumers.

colors and coatings

In paints and coatings, lecithins control the rheological properties, viscosity, flow properties and brushability. This applies to solvent-based and water-based systems as well as to printing inks. Lecithin plasticizes protective coatings and improves peelability.

plastics

As an extender (secondary plasticizer), lecithin reduces the pronounced flow anomalies found in PVC plastisols. It prevents agglomeration and improves the plasticity and adhesive properties of the plastisol.

Lecithin as a natural softener can partially replace synthetic primary softeners and synthetic extenders. The antistatic properties and the lubricating effect of the lecithin are valued as positive side effects.

rubber

Lecithin is compatible with most types of rubber. As a plasticizer, it increases miscibility, and as an elasticizer, it increases tear strength. These properties are particularly valuable when processing old rubber, especially from an ecological point of view.

Paper

Lecithin is used both in paper manufacture and in paper finishing. It makes paper supple, absorbent and calenderable. In coating slips, lecithin improves rheology. A reduction in viscosity allows a higher proportion of solids with better spreadability and increased spreading speed.

building materials

In the case of cold asphalt, roofing felt and concrete, lecithin, in its capacity as a plasticizer, improves the pouring properties of cold asphalt and optimizes the flexibility and adhesion of the finished covering. The latter also applies to roofing felt. Surface-active and softening properties complement each other during the plastification of concrete and increase its adhesion.

adhesives

Lecithin improves the flexibility of natural and synthetic adhesives and reduces viscosity. In many cases, lecithin also helps improve adhesion.

explosives

Lecithin ensures a high brisance with increased handling safety at the same time. Responsible for this are the softening and dispersing properties of the substance, which complement each other. A reduction in viscosity allows higher proportions of inorganic and organic nitrates.

crop protection products

In crop protection products, enriched phospholipids are becoming increasingly important. They are used to improve the binding of the active substance with the water. The use of phospholipids improves the effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides, while at the same time the toxic proportion of active ingredients can be reduced, thus relieving the burden on the environment.

Leather care

Another technical application of lecithin is leather care. Here it is valued as a component of fatliquors.

chemical-technical products

Lecithin has become indispensable in various recipes:

PLASTILINE AND MODELING CLAY

Lecithin improves the plastic properties more than castor oil, mineral oil or polyalcohols. It is food safe and in no way harmful to health. These properties predestine lecithin for use in toys and children's products.

BALLPOINT PEN AND HIGHLIGHTER

Especially in combination with polyalcohols or PVP, lecithin can decisively improve the flow properties. The softening and solubilizing properties mean that, for example, the flap of a highlighter can remain open for hours without impairing the function of the pen.

CARBON FOIL

Lecithin increases plasticity and improves the adhesion of adhesive layers between the foil and the transfer layer.

UNDERBODY PROTECTION

In resin-based preparations, the addition of lecithin provides better plasticity and adhesion.

environmental engineering

In this area, lecithin benefits from its excellent compatibility and freedom from harmful substances:

PACKAGINGS

Biocompatible, i.e. in principle edible, packaging for pharmaceuticals or food, for example, benefits from the good flow properties and the resulting increased flexibility when lecithin is added.

DUST BINDING

As a natural softener, lecithin is the ideal dust binder for environmental tasks. It is used in papermaking, agrochemicals and cotton planting. As a component of agents against dust explosions in grain mills, the edibility and tolerability of lecithin is crucial.