Emulsification

Here is a small selection of the market sectors in which we can help you:

• natural and synthetic rubbers;
• wax coatings;
• silicone oils;
• asphalt and bitumen;
• lubricants; and
• coal, talc, carbon black.

Our portfolio of non-ionic surfactants is extensive and can best be summarised by chemical group and the trade names associated; Fatty alcohol ethoxylates, castor-oil based ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates, EO-PO block copolymers (poloxamers), sorbitan(ol) ester ethoxylates, lanolin alcohol ethoxylates, polyol esters, lanolin alcohols

For specialist and demanding emulsion and dispersion applications, customers should consider our range of polymeric surfactants and dispersants. These proprietary polymers provide an extra degree of flexibility in formulating. They work to stabilise the emulsion, preventing the coalescence of emulsified oil or water droplets under more extreme conditions. Some specific benefits of the range are:

• versatility;
• electrolyte stability;
• thermal stability;
• shear stability; and
• high performance at low treat rates.

We provide a wide range of anionic surfactants with emulsion properties. Anionic surfactants can emulsify when non-ionic surfactants do not perform to the required level. Included in this range are phosphate esters, sarcosines / sarcosinates and lanolin fatty acids.

For oil in water emulsion applications, fatty acids require neutralisation with a suitable base (e.g. triethanolamine or sodium hydroxide) to provide solubility or dispersibility in aqueous systems. Co-emulsifiers, which modify the surface of the desired phase and help emulsification and stabilisation, can also be sourced from our range of esters and lanolin products.

We provide a select number of cationic surfactants, their positive charge gives them a range of unique properties and benefits in a range of applications. Cationic surfactants are compatible with non-ionic surfactants however due to the positive charge most cannot be used in the presence of anionics. Cationic surfactants have a range of uses within industrial sectors such as:

• bitumen emulsifiers due to their compatibility with a range of aggregates;
• general emulsion and dispersion technology;
• softeners and anti-static additives in textiles; and
• surface anti-statics.