Paints lecithin applications

Two of the earliest edible applications of lecithin, viscosity reduction in chocolate and confectionery products, and emulsification/antispatter properties in margarine, still enjoy wide popularity and represent outlets for large volumes of lecithin products. In addition, other early uses such as in bakery goods, pasta, textiles, insecticides, and paints, among others, are still active today. 

Commercial lecithin products that were sold many decades ago for applications such as chocolate and confectionery products, margarine, bakery goods, pasta products, textiles, insecticides, and paints are still active today because of their emulsifying, wetting, colloidal, antioxidant, and physiological properties. Lecithin s multifunctional properties and its natural status make it an ideal food ingredient. The major applications and functional properties of lecithin products are shown in Table 25 (7). 

Solid particle dispersions (Sols). Many lecithin products are still the best and most effective surfactants for dispersing sols. This seems to be because of lecithin s affinity for solids—liquid surface interfaces. Phospholipids seem particularly attracted to particles containing metals and metal salts. Examples of food sols include some liquid chocolates, instant drinks, frosting mixes, pigmented foods, and others. The nonfood applications include paints, inks, and other pigmented coatings. 

Coating organic polymer films with lecithin can improve the release properties of the film from the crimp jaws of the automated packaging machine (441). In analytical equipment, lecithin is used to improve the wettability of the contact surface, which enables the solvent to be presented uniformly for analysis (442). Incorporation of lecithin in a masking application can reduce bubble formation and improve the uniformity of the apphcation (443). And finally, lecithin can be used as a protective coating for a painted surface such as found on automobiles. Once applied, it facilitates the removal of insects and debris. The coating is resistant to rain and washing away (444). 

For the most part, the greatest percentage of lecithin is used in foods. The second highest use is in animal feeds, followed by industrial applications. Paints and other coatings consume a major portion of the nonfood lecithin. Pharmaceuticals, including dietary supplements, and inks and cosmetics, however, also consume significant portions. 

Just as in some food uses, some of the nonfood applications of lecithin are in mature market areas such as paints and inks. Judging from patent activity, however, growth in some areas seems reasonably assured. 

Most successful has been the application of lipids on solid surfaces. (Figure 2.1.1.) Polymerization of linseed oil allows oil painting. Thin lecithin or fat layers on the skin prevent its dehydration. Molecular monolayers of long-chain amines protect the surfaces of hair, teeth, and motor cylinders. 

Lecithin is a naturally occurring group of phospholipids which is widely recoghnized as a versatile surfactant for use in industrial applications such as magnetic media, cosmetics, wire manufacture, paint, automotive, construc-tlomn, plastic molding and agricultural chemicals. The primary commercial source of lecithin comes from soybeans. 

Processed phospholipids ( special lecithins ) are used in the manufacturing of paints, leather, and numerous foods such as bakery goods, chocolate, margarines, etc. Derivatized phospholipids also have specific applications in pharmaceuticals and personal care products [60]. Although several chemical and physical modifications of lecithins have been adopted by industry [61], there is a clear scope for the application of enzymes to the transformation of... 

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