Tag: Lubricants

While often used interchangeably, fat, oil, and grease are all forms of lipids, with their primary distinction being their physical state at room temperature. This difference is influenced by their unique chemical structure and plays a critical role in their function, whether in our food or our pipes.

The pH scale is specifically designed to measure the hydrogen ion concentration in water-based solutions. Because oil is a non-aqueous, hydrophobic substance, it cannot have a high pH in the traditional chemical sense, or any pH at all.

The rate of oil oxidation doubles with every 10°C increase in temperature, highlighting heat as a significant accelerator of the process. Understanding what is the cause of oxidation of oil is crucial for preserving its quality, whether it's for cooking, automotive, or industrial applications. This degradation process is a chemical reaction involving oxygen that affects an oil's stability, flavor, and performance over time.

As an essential trace element for virtually all life forms, molybdenum functions as a vital cofactor for enzymes that drive fundamental chemical transformations in global metabolic cycles. The diverse role of molybdenum, ranging from enabling biological processes to enhancing industrial materials, showcases its surprising importance far beyond its scarce presence in nature.

Despite common confusion, liquid paraffin and food grade mineral oil are not always the same, with the key difference being the level of refinement. While liquid paraffin is a general term for a highly refined petroleum product, only the specific food-grade mineral oil is deemed safe for consumption or incidental food contact.

Canola oil is a vegetable-based oil derived from the seeds of the canola plant, a fact that immediately distinguishes it from its petroleum-derived counterparts. Despite this clear botanical origin, confusion can arise about its classification, but is canola oil considered a mineral oil? The simple and scientific answer is an unequivocal no, as their sources and properties are fundamentally incompatible.

The amount of magnesium stearate in a typical pill is relatively minute, often making up between just 0.25% and 5% of its total weight. This common additive, known as a lubricant, plays a vital role in the manufacturing process, but many consumers are curious about the specific quantity and safety implications. Understanding how much magnesium stearate is in pills helps to demystify its presence in your daily supplements and medications.