Under what conditions do polyols emulsify when in contact with water?
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When our company was producing a product for use in automobiles, the chemists did not follow the SOPs for formulating the mixture; they replaced the main ingredient. Since the main ingredient, POLYOL 46, was not available, POLYOL 29 was used instead. As a result, the mixture, which was originally clear, became cloudy when water was added to it. Upon mixing, its color turned milky white and its viscosity increased significantly. Can this mixture still be used? What kind of polyols will react in this way when exposed to water? Has a chemical reaction taken place?
What is the molecular structure like? I guess POLYOL 29 must have more carbon atoms than POLYOL 46? With more C atoms, solubility in oil increases; it is a hydrophobic group. Hydroxyl groups have good solubility in water and are hydrophilic groups. When the number of C atoms reaches a certain level, emulsification becomes normal. The number of carbon atoms in POLYOL 29 should be at least 8, right?
I’ve learned that. Also, improper heating can also lead to emulsification, I guess
Could you please explain in detail the structures of POLYOL 29 and POLYOL 46? ! !
It has little to do with the amount of C atoms; it is mainly caused by the content of EO (ethylene oxide). After EO ring-opening polymerization, primary hydroxyl groups remain as end groups, giving high reactivity; these groups cause easy emulsification upon contact with water. .
Highly active polyethers terminated with ethylene oxide generally behave this way in the presence of water. :D