Abstract:

The strategy for the development of microemulsion-based fire-resistant hydraulic fluids was expounded. Phase diagrams were constructed for mixts. of water, oil and nonionic surfactants with and without cosurfactants. From these phase diagrams the boundaries of the monophasic area were outlined. After the major components had thus been detd., several preliminary formulations were developed by incorporating suitable additives into the oleic ingredient of the hydraulic fluid. The resulting microemulsion-based compns. complied with most of the requirements set for fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. Model systems pertinent to such formulations were utilized to investigate structural factors, which induce enhanced water solubilization. The role played by alcs. in this context was elucidated in terms of an empirical equation. Scattering and NMR methods have demonstrated the variations in the microstructure of a high water content model system. Sub-zero differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques have revealed the existence of two types of water (free and bound) and detd. their relative concns. [on SciFinder(R)]