Polybutene emulsions

All grades of Indopo®l polybutene can be emulsified to produce both water-in-oil (w/o or invert) and oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions using a variety of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants. Oil-in-water emulsions in particular can provide an easy and cost-effective method of using polybutenes in a wide variety of applications, including lubricant, paper, textile, agricultural, wood sealer and adhesive products. This range of applications continues to expand as environmental and cost considerations drive the trend towards replacement of hydrocarbon solvents with water.

Polybutene emulsions are usually prepared by blending surfactant with polybutene in a high shear mixer then slowly adding water. Heavier grades of polybutene must be heated to enable efficient mixing. Details of emulsion preparation methods and example formulations are available upon request by contacting our technical experts at indopol@innovene.com.