Soap-Free Emulsion Composed of Polymer Solutions and an Aqueous Clay Suspension

Novel emulsification was found in the system of aqueous suspension of a clay mineral (a synthetic hectorite) and a solution of polyvinyl butyral in 1-butanol without using surfaceactive agents. Droplets of the oil phase exhibited different sizes depending on the concentration of polyvinyl butyral solution and aqueous clay suspension. Shearing force produced from the high viscosity of the clay suspension was a factor to lead oil droplets to size smaller. The clay mineral was confirmed to be in the water phase, not at the oil and water interface. The emulsion showed useful thermal stability up to 80 degrees C. The present emulsion was successfully applied as a platform of the photochromic reaction of spiropyran.

Automated summary

Novel emulsification was observed in an aqueous clay mineral suspension (synthetic hectorite) and a solution of polyvinyl butyral in 1-butanol without the use of surfactants. The size of the oil droplets depended on the concentration of polyvinyl butyral solution and aqueous clay suspension. The high viscosity of the clay suspension resulted in shearing forces that led to smaller oil droplets. The clay mineral was found to be in the water phase, not at the oil-water interface. The emulsion exhibited thermal stability up to 80 degrees C and was successfully used as a platform for the photochromic reaction of spiropyran.