Silicone emulsion (abbreviated as silicone emulsion) is an emulsion composed of water-in-oil silicone oil, water and surfactant.
Silicone emulsion is mainly used as silicone oil fabric softening finishing agent. The first generation of silicone fabric finishing agent is a mechanical mixture of dimethyl silicone oil and hydrogen silicone oil (and its derivatives). The second generation of silicone fabric finishing agent is hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane emulsion, which is formed by emulsion polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane monomer, water, emulsifier, catalyst and other raw materials under certain conditions. Since polymerization and emulsification are completed in one step, it has the advantages of short working time, high efficiency, simple equipment and convenient operation. The obtained emulsion is very stable, the particles are very uniform, and the obtained polymer has active groups (hydroxyl groups) at both ends. It can further react to form a film, which is conducive to improving the application effect of the emulsion, which is beyond the reach of mechanical emulsified silicone oil.
Silicone oil emulsion is a commonly used chemical product with multiple functions and applications. The following are the main functions of silicone oil emulsion:
1. Lubricant: Silicone oil emulsion can form a lubricating film on the friction surface, reduce friction and wear, and improve the working efficiency and life of mechanical equipment.
2. Anti-adhesion agent: Silicone oil emulsion can reduce the adhesion of the material surface, prevent materials, particles or adhesives from adhering to equipment or tools, and facilitate subsequent processing.
3. Preservative: Silicone oil emulsion can form a protective film to prevent oxidation and corrosion of metal surfaces and extend the service life of equipment and parts.
4. Insulating agent: Silicone oil emulsion has good insulating properties and can be used in electronic equipment, wires and cables, and insulating materials to prevent current leakage and failure.
5. Skin care products: Silicone oil emulsion is widely used in skin care products. It can form a protective film to keep the skin moist and smooth, and prevent water evaporation and external stimulation.
6. Surface treatment agent: Silicone oil emulsion can be used for surface treatment to provide a smooth and bright appearance and increase the gloss and visual effect of the material.
The principle of silicone oil emulsion is based on emulsification technology. By combining silicone oil with appropriate emulsifiers, it can be dissolved in water and form an emulsion. The following are the principle steps of silicone oil emulsion:
1. Emulsifier selection: Selecting a suitable emulsifier is a key step. Common emulsifiers include surfactants, surfactants or colloids, which have hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, which can reduce the surface tension between liquids and promote the emulsification process.
2. Prepare emulsion: Mix silicone oil and emulsifier in a certain proportion, and emulsify them by mechanical stirring or ultrasonic treatment, so that silicone oil is finely dispersed in the water phase to form an emulsion.
3. Stabilize emulsion: The role of emulsifier is to reduce the surface tension between liquids and avoid the aggregation and separation of droplets. During the emulsification process, the concentration of emulsifier and emulsification time should be controlled to obtain a stable emulsion.
4. Application emulsion: Stable silicone oil emulsion can be directly applied to fields that require lubrication, anti-adhesion, anti-corrosion and other functions. According to specific needs, different emulsion formulas and concentrations can be selected.