Surfactant mixture

Abstract

A surfactant composition is described. This composition is used for the emulsification of oil and water to form microemulsions. These microemulsions can be used as industrial lubricants e.g. machine tool cutting oils (although many uses are possible) and show distinct advantages over traditional neat oils or macroemulsions.

1 . A composition for preparing a microemulsion of oil and water, the composition comprising 
 i) a fatty acid amine ethoxylate    ii) C 6 -C 15  alcohol ethoxylate; and optionally    iii) tall oil fatty acid amine    
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1  which comprises the following 
 i) 1-5 parts of a fatty acid amine ethoxylate  
 ii) 0.5-4 parts of a C 6 -C 15  alcohol ethoxylate; and optionally  
 iii) 1.5-5 parts tall oil fatty acid amine  
 
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  comprising 3 parts of component (i) and 2 parts of component (ii) and optionally 2.75 parts of component (iii).  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  comprising 3 parts of component (i) and 1 part of component (ii) and optionally 1.5 parts of component (iii).  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  comprising 2 parts of component (i) and 1 part of component (ii) and optionally 3 parts of component (iii).  
     
     
         6 . A process comprising adding to a mixture of oil and water a surfactant composition according to any of claims  1 - 5  such that a clear homogenous microemulsion is formed.