Dimethylpolysiloxane E900 is an anti-foaming agent used in a variety of foods as well as other consumer products. It is used to reduce the tendency of a liquid to foam or froth, often during manufacturing. It is also referred to as Dimethylpolysiloxane, Dimethylpolysiloxane(600), and Silicone Dioxide.
What is dimethylpolysiloxane?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone compound that is added to some foods, cosmetics and household products to prevent the separation of ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use as an inert substance in foods, meaning it’s not biologically active. ( 1)
In addition to preventing separation, dimethylpolysiloxane helps keep food from sticking to pans or casserole dishes during baking. It’s also used in cosmetics as a thickening agent and in hair care products as a conditioner or detangler.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is an odorless, colorless, clear and viscous liquid with low viscosity. It is a silicone polymer having the general formula CH3[(CH2)3SiO]2. It is used in many applications including cosmetics and foods, and as a lubricant.
Dimethylpolysiloxane was first synthesized by Dr. Robert H. Grubbs of Caltech in 1972 from dimethyldichlorosilane (CH3SiCl2) in an alkaline medium at high pressure (200-300 atmospheres). The polymerization was observed to proceed via a radical mechanism involving cyclic silsesquioxanes (R[4]SiO4).
What is dimethylpolysiloxane in food?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a chemical compound, which is commonly used as an anti-foaming agent in food. It can be found in a variety of foods, including butter, beer and ice cream.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is also used to prevent food from sticking to pans and dishes, so it is sometimes added to cooking oils.
The FDA has approved dimethylpolysiloxane for use in food as a direct additive or indirect additive through contamination by food packaging materials containing the substance.
What is dimethylpolysiloxane used for?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is one of the most widely used silicone fluids in the world. It is a clear, odorless, tasteless, and highly viscous liquid that is insoluble in water. It has extremely low surface tension and excellent thermal stability.
In the food industry, dimethicone is used as a coating agent on various foods such as chocolate bars to prevent them from sticking together and to improve their appearance. It is also added to chewing gum to help keep it soft and free flowing.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is used as a component in personal care products such as hair conditioners, hair sprays, and shaving lotions where it acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between skin or hair and the razor surface. It also helps keep hair from clumping together when applying hair products such as mousse or gel.
The most common use of dimethylpolysiloxane is in cosmetics where it acts as an emollient with good spreading properties that make skin feel smooth and soft. It can be used to prevent acne by reducing excess oil production on the skin’s surface. Dimethylpolysiloxane can be found in makeup removers, face creams, and sunscreens where it helps prevent water evaporation from the skin’s surface which would otherwise lead to dryness or flaking of the skin during the application of these products.
How is dimethylpolysiloxane made of?
The manufacturing process for DMPS starts with the base material dimethylsiloxane (DMS), which is made from silicon and hydrogen gas (SiH4). This gas is collected and purified until it reaches 99% purity. The purified gas then undergoes hydrolysis to create dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDS). This reaction takes place at high temperatures (450°C) and pressures (2000 psi) over a period of about 4 hours. Once completed, the reaction produces liquid DMDS in its purest form.
In the next step of the manufacturing process, chlorine atoms are added to this liquid DMDS mixture to create dichloro dimethyl silane (DCMDS). This reaction also takes place at high temperatures (-60°C -120°C) and pressures up to 2000 psi over a period of about 1 hour. Once complete, the reaction produces DCMDS in its purest form as well.
Properties
| Other names |
|
| CAS number | 9006-65-9 |
| Chemical formula | CH3)3-Si-[O-Si(CH3)2]n-O-Si(CH3)3 |
| Molecular weight | 6,800 to 30,000 (average and approximate) |
Appearance
Clear, colorless, viscous liquid.
Dimethylpolysiloxane structure
Solubility
Insoluble in polar substances, such as water and ethanol, it is soluble in nonpolar materials, including carbon tetrachloride, benzene, chloroform, diethyl ether, and other organic solvents.
What’s the application of dimethylpolysiloxane?
A wide range of applications can be found in this material, including aerospace, aviation, food, chemical, metallurgy, medicine, and healthcare. Polydimethylsiloxanes react with regulators, crosslinking agents, and capping agents to produce silicone products (like silicone oil, silicone rubber, and silicone resin).
In addition to being highly heat and cold resistant and radiation resistant, PDMS also has excellent properties such as high air permeability, weather resistance, mold release, hydrophobicity, and physiological inertness.
In this article, we only discuss its use in cosmetics and food.
Food
In cooking oils, processed foods, and fast food, PDMS is commonly used as an antifoaming agent because it reduces the surface tension of liquids, preventing foam from forming.
In food, its applied viscosity ranges from 300 to 1,050 centistokes at 25 degrees.
Cosmetics
In cosmetic and personal care products, it acts as an antifoaming, emollient, skin conditioning, and skin protecting agent. ( 2)
It can be found in conditioners, shampoos, and skin care products. The viscosity is typically 100 or 350 centigrades at 25 degrees Celsius.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane safe to consume?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is safe to consume. It is commonly used as an anti-foaming agent in cooking oils and sauces, and can also be found in cosmetics. Dimethylpolysiloxane is not considered a health hazard by the FDA or other health agencies around the world.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is used as a food additive in Japan, Europe, Australia and many other countries around the world. It can also be found in a wide range of cosmetic products where it acts as a binding agent and emulsifier.
The safety profile of dimethylpolysiloxane has been evaluated by various regulatory bodies including the FDA and EFSA who have concluded that there are no safety issues associated with its use in foods or cosmetics.
FDA
As a defoamer, PDMS may be safely used in processing foods as a “secondary direct food additive”.
Here are some applications and their maximum levels. ( 3)
| Food Category | Maximum Level |
| Ready-for-consumption Food | 10 mg/kg |
| Milk | 0 |
| dry gelatin dessert mixes | 110 mg/kg |
| ready-to-serve dessert | 16 mg/kg |
| salt for cooking purposes | 250 mg/kg |
| Cooked food | 10 mg/kg |
Also, it can serve as a release agent, lubricant, and surface-active agent. ( 4)
EFSA
According to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, dimethylpolysiloxane (E 900) is an authorized food additive in the EU under the category of “Additives other than colors and sweeteners”. ( 5)
Authorized Uses
It may be found in the following foods ( 6):
- Oils and fats for frying
- Chewing gum
- Batters
- Soups and broths
- Pineapple juice
- Flavored drinks
- Cider and perry
- Fruit or vegetable spreads
- Fillings, coatings, and decorations
- Fruits and vegetables in cans or bottles
- Tablets containing effervescent food supplements
- Breath freshening micro sweet are included in confectionery
- Sweetened chestnut purée and jams, jellies, and marmalades
Also, it can be used:
- As a carrier for fruit glazing agents
- All flavorings
- Preparations containing beta-carotene and lycopene
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, it is approved under code number 900a. ( 7)
JECFA
Classification: food additives, antifoaming agents, anticaking agents. ( 8)
ADI set in 2011 is 0–1.5 mg/kg body weight. ADI of 0–0.8 mg/kg BW was withdrawn by JECFA in 2008 and ADI of 0–1.5 mg/kg BW was reestablished in 1979. ( 9)
What are the side effects of dimethylpolysiloxane?
Side effects of dimethylpolysiloxane are generally mild and temporary. Side effects that may occur include:
Skin irritation. Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone-based ointment, which can cause irritation on the skin if it is not removed properly. To avoid this problem, apply the ointment to the affected area and then wash it off after 15 minutes. If you experience any burning or itching sensation, consult your doctor immediately. ( 10)
Skin discoloration. Dimethylpolysiloxane can temporarily stain your skin brown or blue if it comes in contact with it for prolonged periods or if too much is applied at once. This type of discoloration usually fades away after several days.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane same as simethicone?
Dimethylpolysiloxane and simethicone are both compounds used in the manufacturing of shampoos, hair conditioners, and other products that are used on the hair. They can be considered to be similar because they both have a silicone base and are used in many of the same products.
However, there are some differences between the two compounds.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a polymer made from dimethylhydrogensiloxy groups joined together by methyl groups. It is known as an organosilicon compound because it contains silicon atoms. This polymer is used as an antifoaming agent in personal care products such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs since it helps reduce surface tension which in turn prevents foam from forming on the surface of products like shampoo or conditioner when they come into contact with water (or air).
Simethicone is an antifoaming agent that is used in shampoos and other personal care products such as toothpaste to prevent foaming by reducing the surface tension between liquids and air bubbles inside containers where these products are stored before use by consumers at home or elsewhere (e.g., restaurants).
Where to buy dimethylpolysiloxane?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is available in the market, but if you want to buy it in bulk, you can get it from a food chemical supplier. The price of dimethylpolysiloxane depends on its purity and the quantity that you want.
You can also buy dimethylpolysiloxane online at Alfa Aesar or Sigma Aldrich, which are two major suppliers of chemicals worldwide. The prices will vary depending on the purity level and the volume of dimethylpolysiloxane that you need to order.
Dimethylpolysiloxane can be purchased online from a variety of sources. The following are some of the best places to buy dimethylpolysiloxane:
Amazon – Amazon sells several different brands of dimethylpolysiloxane, including KF-85 by Shin Etsu. This product has a viscosity of 85 cps at 25°C and a density of 0.92 g/cm3 at 20°C. It also contains 10% of the added ingredient PEG-2M and 5% of the added ingredient BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene).
Grade Chemical – Grade Chemical is one reliable dimethylpolysiloxane supplier in China. if you buy in bulk for your company, they are your best choice. they can supply you with a much more competitive price than the local market.
Frequently asked questions
Is dimethylpolysiloxane natural?
No, dimethylpolysiloxane is not natural. It is a man-made chemical that has been added to many products in order to make them more slippery and easier to wash off.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane halal?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone-based compound and a type of polymer. It is considered halal since it is not made from any prohibited materials.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane kosher?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is kosher, and it’s commonly used to make kosher foods.
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone compound that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that it’s safe for consumption, and it’s also approved for use in food preparation.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane gluten free?
Yes, dimethylpolysiloxane is gluten-free. The FDA has ruled that dimethylpolysiloxane is gluten-free as a food additive. The ruling came after a review of the scientific literature by an expert panel in 2008.
Is dimethylpolysiloxane vegan?
Dimethylpolysiloxane is considered to be a non-animal-derived product, so it can be considered vegan-friendly.
Is polydimethylsiloxane toxic?
Polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS, is a silicone oil that is used for a variety of purposes. It is non-toxic and is not harmful to humans in any way.
Conclusion
In the end, there don’t appear to be any serious risks or immediate health concerns associated with dimethylpolysiloxane. One of the only reported side effects is mild, temporary skin irritation. Although much more research needs to be done, many users report that dimethylpolysiloxane can have positive effects on skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.
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