A polysaccharide extracted from algae of the family Rodoficee (Gelidium and Gracilaria species) capable of giving stiff thermoreversible gels.

Agarart gels strongly retain water and can be used for the absorption of dirt from surfaces sensitive to water. The water goes in fact to wet only the interface between the surface and the rigid gel, without penetrating into the porous structure of the material.

The AGARART powder is added to aqueous solutionσ to be thickened, in a percentage varying between 0.5 and 5%.

Two procedures with different effects can be followed:

1. AGARART rigid gel can be placed on surfaces, with the effect of humidifying however limiting the release of water.

2. The still hot, liquid solution is distributed over the surfaces with a brush and left to cool down. In this way the gel that is formed perfectly follows the roughness of the surface, and by absorbing the water-soluble dirt, it is particularly useful for cleaning three-dimensional objects like plaster, stone etc.

Furthermore, the rigid gel works like a sponge, absorbing the solubilized material.

Specifications

Gelling temperature:

38-42°C

Melting temperature:

85-90°C

pH of a 1.5% solution:

6.0-7.5

Composition:

Modified Agarose / Agaropectin