INVESTIGATION OF THE EMULSIFYING PROPERTIES OF PEMULEN TR-1, AN ACRYLIC-ACID ALKYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER

Pemulen TR-1, a high molecular weight molecular copolymer of acrylic a cid and alkyl methacrylate, was investigated as to its emulsifying pro perties in the preparation of stable liquid emulsions. Stable emulsion s can easily, be prepared by hand or with low-shear mixers rising 0.3% Pemulen TR-1 neutralized with Neutrol TE in a PH range of 5 to 9.11, with apolar oil phases as well as with more polar oils (liquid paraffi n, maize oil, silicon oil, benzyl benzoate) in lon and high concentrat ions (from 5 to 30%). Even at low pH values, stable emulsion could be prepared when water-miscible solvents such as alcohol, propylene glyco l, PEG 400 and dimethyl isosorbide were used, and when the Pemulen TR- 1 concentration was increased to 0.8%. Pemulen TR-1 is sensitive to el ectrolytes and is incompatible with positively charged substances. Acc elerated stability studies performed for six weeks at 30 degrees C sug gest an excellent long-term stability.