Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers can be defined as lubricant additives that are used to bond water and oil molecules together by polar attraction to form an emulsion. They consist of a water-loving hydrophilic head and an oil-loving hydrophobic tail. The hydrophilic head is directed to the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic tail to the oil phase. The emulsifier positions itself at the oil/water or air/water interface and, by reducing the surface tension, has a stabilising effect on the emulsion.

Emulsifiers are typically used in metalworking and hydraulic fluid applications.