Glycerine

There are over 1500 uses for glycerin.

Adhesives - humectant in water-based adhesives
Chemicals (Surfactants) - glycerol esters
Chemicals (Textile) - glycerol esters
Coatings & Inks - dispersant

Food Ingredients - In the production of food, it is used as a solvent, a moistening agent (for example, in baked goods), and an ingredient in syrups. In flavouing and colouring, glycerol acts as a solvent and its viscosity lends body to the product. With icings and candies, glycerine prevents crystallization of sugar. It improves the texture and allows the use of less sugar, in ice cream.

Lubricants & Greases - Glycerol can be used as a lubricant in situations where an oil would fail. It is recommended for use in oxygen compressors because it is more resistant to oxidation than mineral oils. Cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical manufacturers may use glycerol instead of oil for a lubricant; especially, when the products come in contact with the lubricant. In the textile industry, glycerol is commonly used in connection with so called textile oils, in spinning, knitting and weaving operations.

Miscellaneous Uses - Glycerine has many other uses, such as in antifreeze fluids for automatic sprinkler systems, defrosting for glass, de-icing, and in electrolytic fluids for making galvanized cloth and lightning arrestors. It is found in cement compounds, particularly in glycerinlitharge cements for tubs and sinks, valve repair, still and distilling unit repair and anti-acid corrosion, pipe joint cement, furnace cement, and rethreading compounds. Other uses include embalming fluids, masking and shielding compounds for paint spraying, soldering compounds, high pressure rod packing, lubricants for air brakes, the manufacture of mercury thermometers, engine gauges, electrical equipment, and oil refinery equipment. Glycerine is found in cleansing materials such as soaps and synthetic detergents. It is used as a wetting agent in emulsifiers, wax emulsions, and skin protectives. In laboratory and research work glycerine is utilized in the manufacture of reagent chemicals, basic dyes, and miscellaneous chemicals and insecticides; in asphalt compounds, coal-tar thinners, ceramics, photographic products, fire retardants, modeling clay, leather and wood treatments and adhesives.

Personal Care - In cosmetics, glycerine is a favorite in keeping the skin soft and is used in body and shaving creams. It is the basic material in which toothpaste is formed and preserves the desired smoothness and viscosity of the paste.

Pharmaceuticals - Glycerine is used in cough medicines and anesthetics, for ear treatments, and in bacteriological media.

Plastics (Additives & Lubricants) - Polyurethane Polyol - Vegetable and tallow grades available.

Sheets and Gaskets - Glycerine acts as a plasticizer and a humectant when used in the production of sheets and gaskets made with ground cork.

Tobacco - Glycerine is used as a humectant (a moistening agent), in tobacco products. In processing tobacco, glycerol makes up an important part of the casing solution, which is sprayed onto the tobacco before the leaves are shredded and packed. When processing chewing tobacco, glycerine adds sweetness and prevents dehydration. It is also used as a plasticizer in cigarette papers.

Urethane Polymers - Glycerol is an important and essential building block in polyethers for urethane polymers. Glycerol based polymers have found some uses, such as in rigid urethane foams.

Wrapping and Packaging Materials - Meat casing and special types of papers, need a plasticizer to give the products pliability and toughness.