© BASF Corporation, 1993
Enhancing the effectiveness of water. Although water is considered the "universal solvent!' it's generally ineffective in replacing hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents when used alone. Water is often a poor direct replacement for these solvents because of its inability to effectively interact with hydrophobic materials. PLURONIC® and PLURAFAC® surfactants, however, enhance the wetting power of water as a solvent replacement on hydrophobic soils or formula components. These surfactants offer a wide range of cloud points, HLB values, molecular weights, solubilities and
structure variations. An aqueous solution formulated with a PLURONIC or PLURAFAC surfactant of the proper molecular characteristics can mimic the dissolving power of non-aq ueous organic solvents. In addition, surfactant choice determines the specific mode of surfactant and hydrophobic particle/ hydrophobic droplet interaction (such as emulsification, micro-emulsification, micellular solubilization or steric stabilization). SOKALAN® polymers also aid in the dispersion of hydrophobic particles in aqueous systems by adsorbing at inter-
faces and magnifying the dispersive properties of water. Different structures and molecular weights of SOKALAN polymers can assist in replacing hydrocarbon solvents in aqueous solutions for cleaning and forming suspensions. Continuing product and process research and development assure the quality of BASF surfactants and polymers, while our Applications Laboratories stand ready to assist you with selections based on your individual needs. For more information, call Performance Chemicals at 800-367-9861, or, in New Jersey, 201-316-4610.
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