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Properties and Applications of Microemulsions
Author(s) -
Klier J.,
Tucker C. J.,
Kalantar T. H.,
Green D. P.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/1521-4095(200012)12:23<1751::aid-adma1751>3.0.co;2-i
Subject(s) - microemulsion , materials science , pulmonary surfactant , chemical engineering , polymerization , active ingredient , organic chemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , polymer , bioinformatics , engineering , composite material , biology
Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, fluid, optically clear dispersions of two immiscible liquids. Recent interest in microemulsion systems has resulted from their utility in a broad range of applications including enhanced oil recovery, consumer and pharmaceutical formulations, nanoparticle synthesis, and chemical reaction media. However, the high levels typically required to ensure complete microemulsification and formulation stability often result in unacceptably high residue, contaminant levels, and formulation cost. One way to reduce surfactant requirements in microemulsion systems is through the use of efficient surfactants and interfacially active cosurfactants. We have explored and developed microemulsion systems based on efficient anionic surfactants and glycol ether cosurfactants that are stable to temperature and compositional changes and yet employ low levels of non‐volatile surfactants. These microemulsion systems are finding utility in a range of applications, including consumer and industrial cleaning formulations, chemical reaction media, polymerization, and active ingredient delivery.