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Microemulsion Performance Fluids

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

J. Bock
Affiliation:
Corporate Research Science Laboratory, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ 08801
M. L. Robbins
Affiliation:
Corporate Research Science Laboratory, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ 08801
S. J. Pace
Affiliation:
Corporate Research Science Laboratory, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ 08801
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Abstract

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable mixtures of two immiscible fluids, such as oil and water, and one or more surfactants or cosurfactants. These systems have a rich micro-structure and phase behavior which can take the form of a variety of multi-phase and single phase oil- or watercontinuous or bicontinuous fluids with unique and useful properties. The thermodynamic stability, ultra-low interfacial tension, clarity, high solubilization capacity and high interfacial area suggest uses “performance fluids.” The relationship between surfactant ussetsru cfotur reth eansde the phase behavior and properties of microemulsions is the key to their design. Through the proper selection of surfactants, microemulsion phase continuity can be tailored for a variety of applications. Two such applications, coal freeze conditioning and oil spill dispersion, are described in this paper.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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References

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