Coarsener

A 'coarsener' is a substance, process, or agent that increases the coarseness or granularity of a material, typically by causing the formation of larger particles or a less refined texture. This can apply to a wide range of materials, from food products like sugar or salt to industrial materials like metals or plastics. The effect of a coarsener is to make something rougher, less smooth, and more granular. Understanding the application is crucial as coarsening may be deliberate for certain desired properties or may occur unintentionally leading to a loss of function.

Coarsener meaning with examples

• The food manufacturer added a coarsener to the ice cream mix to create a desired gritty texture. This process allowed the product to better match customer preferences, showcasing an intentional act of texture modification. The aim was to enhance the overall eating experience.
• During the metal casting process, the presence of impurities acted as a coarsener, resulting in a less uniform grain structure. This unexpected change led to a weaker final product, requiring more intensive post-casting procedures.
• In the creation of certain types of paper, a specific chemical is used as a coarsener to modify the fiber arrangement to improve strength and feel for unique products. This helps to differentiate products from the competitors.
• The process of repeated heating and cooling acted as a coarsener on the polymer, causing it to become less flexible and more brittle. This unwanted result required reformulation of the production process.
• The sediment in the lake served as a natural coarsener on the sand beaches near the water. The fine sand would get mixed with larger rock fragments, affecting the overall look of the beach.