Fatty Alkanolamines, Fatty Alkanolamides and Mixed Amino-Amide Molecules as Performance Enhancers in Emulsion Metalworking Fluids
Fatty alkanolamides are commonly used as rheology modifiers, corrosion inhibitors and emulsifiers in semi-synthetic metalworking fluids. The structurally similar fatty alkanolamines are also effective as fluid emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors and biostabilizers. Secondary alkanolamides (i.e., amides produced with a primary alkanolamine) may exist as “normal” amides, or, under certain conditions, may be converted by dehydrative cyclization to 2-oxazolines. The oxazoline form, versus the amide form, of certain secondary alkanolamides is known to provide for significantly improved stabilization of macroemulsions. This talk will present a summary of the preparation, properties and functioning of relevant alkanolamides, alkanolamines and mixed amide/amine compounds in metalworking fluids. The benefits of certain types of structures with respect to enhanced activity, improved stability and low volatility will be highlighted.