The first step we are going to take to know the meaning of the term gel is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can point out that it is a word that derives from Latin, specifically it comes from “gelatus”, which can be translated as “ice cream” or “frozen”.
Gel is the state of a substance that, in colloidal dispersion , thickens or solidifies after a coagulation process. While the density of a gel is similar to that of a liquid, its structure is similar to that of a solid.
A gel is a colloidal solution : a compound that arises from the dissolution of a colloid in a fluid. This system has a dispersed phase (liquid) and a continuous phase (solid). In the structure of a gel, there are molecules that form a network , which is immersed in a liquid. Depending on how these components interact, the gel will have different properties.
While the liquid prevents the network from collapsing, the network itself makes it impossible for the liquid to flow freely . The gel, in this framework, can be a viscous fluid or a nearly rigid solid .
The process of forming a gel is known as gelation . When a gelling agent is added to a substance, gelation can develop and, therefore, the matter in question becomes a gel.
Gels have widespread use in numerous environments. There are medicinal products, foods , paints, lubricants and gel adhesives.
Hair gel , for example, is a product used to fix the hair in a certain position and thus maintain the hairstyle. This is possible thanks to the viscous structure of the substance.
When it comes to sanitizing, a person can use a shower gel , which is more viscous or thicker than liquid soap. On the other hand, sanitizing gel , also called disinfectant gel , antiseptic gel or alcohol gel , is a substance with antiseptic properties that allows you to wash your hands without soap or water.
In the same way, we must not overlook that there is also what is known as intimate gel. This is a product that should be used for women instead of the traditional shower gel because it is considered that it does not alter the vaginal flora and, therefore, does not put it at risk of suffering an infection.
Likewise, we must take into account the existence of what is called lubricating gel. This specifically is a product that is used during sexual relations with two clear objectives: on the one hand, to facilitate penetration and on the other, to increase pleasure.
It is exactly recommended for women who have lubrication problems, to perform anal sex and also to reduce discomfort in cases where the woman has a very narrow vagina or the man's penis is too large. Of course, there are couples who simply use them as part of their preliminary games.
Given the uses of this product, there are different varieties: silicone-based, water-based lubricating gel, oil-based lubricating gel...