Microemulsion
Microemulsion
Microemulsions are clear, isotropic liquid mixtures of oil, water and surfactant and co-surfactant. The co-surfactant is usually a 4 to 8 carbon chain aliphatic alcohol, such as pentanol, and the water may contain salt(s). In contrast to ordinary emulsions, microemulsions form upon simple mixing of the components and do not require high shear conditions. The term was first used by Jack H. Shulman, a professor of chemistry at Columbia University, in 1959. Alternative names for these systems are often used, such as transparent emulsion, swollen micelle, micellar solution, and solubilized oil.
Uses
Microemulsions have many commercially important uses. The fluid used in dry-cleaning is a water-in-oil microemlsion. Some floor polishes and cleaners, personal care products, pesticide formulations, and cutting oils are actually microemulsions.
References
- Prince, Leon M., Microemulsions in Theory and Practice Academic Press (1977) ISBN 0125657501.
- Rosano, Heri L and Clausse, Marc, eds., Microemulsion Systems (Surfactant Science Series) Marcel Dekker, Inc. (1987) ISBN 0824774396