E559 - Aluminum Silicate (Kaolin)

Author: Mark Velov Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristics: Aluminum silicate is a mineral that is naturally white clay containing kaolin. The substance is formed during the weathering of gneisses, granites and other rocks, soder

Characteristic

Aluminum silicate is a mineral that is naturally white clay containing kaolin. The substance is formed during the weathering of gneisses, granites and other rocks containing feldspars.

In industry, the food additive E 559 is in the form of a fine white powder with a yellowish or grayish tinge. It tastes like soil and has no smell. The additive does not dissolve in water, mineral acids and ethanol. Aluminum silicates are up to 50% of the total mass of the earth's surface. These include mica (nepheline, muscovite), feldspar (albite, orthoclase, anortite) and clay minerals. are obtained by hydration of natural silicate, its purification from impurities with subsequent drying.

Use

In the food industry, aluminum silicate is used in the production of cream and milk, salt and sugar and their substitutes, spices and a number of powdered and bulk products. E 559 is also part of hard cheeses and products made of foil, confectionery, confectionery. In the production of wine, oils, juices, sugar, starch, kaolin acts as a flocculant, filtering agent and clarifier.

In addition to the food industry, the additive is used as an aid in the production of paper intended for food packaging. Ointments and tablets are made on the basis of kaolin in medicine and pharmacy. The substance has absorbent and protective properties. Based on "white clay"in cosmetics masks are made for face and hair, which significantly improve the condition and appearance. In agriculture, the additive E 559 is part of animal feed, vitamin complexes. In industry, kaolin is used in the production of tires as a filler, participates in the technological process for the manufacture of ceramics, phosphorus, faience, plastic, paper, tires, bookbinders. Due to its high refractory properties, aluminum silicate is used in the production of refractory bricks, cement, building ceramics.

Impact on humans

Aluminum silicate is a harmless natural or synthetic mineral. There are no restrictions on its application. The maximum quantities of the substance that can be used in foodstuffs are indicated and they range from 10 to 30 grams per 1 kilogram of finished product. The residual amount of kaolin in juices and wines should not exceed 1 gram per 1 liter.

Because the human body does not react in the same way to different chemical elements, even harmless food additives can cause side effects. Therefore, doctors advise to limit the consumption of foods that contain them by people suffering from chronic diseases of the digestive system or allergies.

E559 - Aluminum Silicate (Kaolin)

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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