Abstract
AbstractSingle‐phase hydrocarbon‐based microemulsions with low volatile organic carbon levels can help deliver solvent‐like cleaning properties while allowing formulators to meet regulatory requirements. The rheology and petroleum jelly solubilization properties of model microemulsion systems that contained equal volumes of hydrocarbon solvent and water were evaluated as a function of microemulsion structure and composition. Single‐phase microemulsions with low surfactant contents and broad formulation flexibility were obtained through the use of efficient anionic surfactants and low electrolyte levels. The microemulsion structure was advanced from solvent‐continuous to water‐continuous by varying the solvent alkane carbon number or the electrolyte content, whereas the liquid crystal content was controlled via cosurfactant concentration. Both microemulsion structure and viscosity influenced solubilization rates. Low‐viscosity, solvent‐continuous microemulsions showed solubilization rates comparable to those found with solvent‐based systems, while water‐continuous microemulsions showed relatively poor solubilization rates. Microemulsions containing dispersed liquid crystals exhibited high viscosity and low solubilization rates.
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