Keywords

Water-Based Metalworking Fluids, Foam Control, Residue Control, Emulsifier  

New Tool Box for Superior Foam Control in Metalworking Fluids

One of the crucial components utilized to formulate soluble and semisynthetic oils are emulsifiers. Natural sodium sulfonates have been the traditional choice because they combine emulsification and rust inhibition performance. Since the closing of the Shell Martinez plant in 2003 at the latest the emulsifier market is in a state of flux. Alternate chemistries such as synthetic sodium sulfonates and PIBSAs appeared on the scene. One of the most promising alternate chemistry for this application is the class of ether carboxylates as they enhance significantly the stability of the concentrate as well as the resulting emulsion - furthermore they increase the robustness of the fluids overall performance. A new group of ethercarboxylates with an additional block of propylene oxide shows significantly reduced foaming potential properties which makes them highly attractive for foam critical applications like high pressure coolants.

Authors and Company/Institution

Dr. Michael Stapels, Kao Chemicals GmbH, Emmerich, Germany