Abstract: Stable polymer dispersions with polymer particle sizes of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m are prepared by dissolving a water-in-oil emulsion, comprising a polymer dissolved in an organic solvent which is immiscible with water (organic phase) and an aqueous phase, wherein the viscosity of the organic phase is 1.0 to 20,000 mPas (measured at 25.degree. C.), the surface tension between organic and aqueous phase is 0.01 to 30 mN/m, the particle size of the water emulsified in the organic phase is 0.2 to 50 .mu.m and the ratio by volume of organic phase to aqueous phase is in the range 80:20 to 20:80, subjecting this emulsion to a shear process at a shear power of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.8 Watts per cm.sup.3, wherein the water-in-oil emulsion is converted into an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: By using a nonionic surfactant as the primary emulsifier having an hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about 13, at a concentration sufficient to provide about 0.5-3 molecules per 100 square .ANG. of surface area of silicone particles; and a nonionic cosurfactant having an HLB less than about 11, at a concentration sufficient to provide 5-15 molecules of emulsifier per 100 square .ANG. of surface area of silicone particles; aqueous emulsions containing low molecular weight silicones can be prepared which possess improved particle size stability. In particular, the low molecular weight silicones have a molecular weight less than about 1,000, and a viscosity of not greater than about 5 mm.sup.2 /sec. These emulsions can be used in applications relating to laundry pre-spotting, automotive bug and tar removal, and hard surface cleaning.

Abstract: A classical method of microemulsion formation involves mixing an oil and water with a surfactant (S1), and a co-surfactant (S2). The oil is mostly preferably a cyclic siloxane. The oil is added to a solution of the surfactant (S1) and water. A two-phase system containing the siloxane results. The two-phase system is then titrated with co-surfactant (S2) until a clear isotropic microemulsion results. An emulsion polymerization catalyst is added to the clear isotropic microemulsion, and polymerization of the cyclic siloxane is initiated. The polimerization is allowed to advance until the reaction is complete, or desired degree of polymerization (DP) has been obtained. Microemulsions of high molecular weight silicone polymers with low polydispersity can be produced.

Abstract: Aqueous surfactant compositions, with a high viscosity, comprising an anionic surfactant or a mixture of anionic surfactants, an alkyl ester of lactic acid or a mixture of alkyl esters of lactic acid and, optionally, an electrolyte. The above compositions can be used for the preparation of liquid detergents, either transparent or translucent, opaque or pearly, for use as "personal care" products, domestic detergents, car detergents.

Abstract: Aqueous structured surfactants, e.g., lamellar, or preferably spherulitic systems optionally containing suspended solids are used as functional fluids, such as drilling fluids, cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, construction muds and lubricants. A composition consisting essentially of: water; a surfactant or mixture of surfactants present in a concentration sufficient to form a mobile spherulitic or dispersed lamellar phase in the absence of an electrolyte; and a substantially water insoluble functional material, suspended in the composition, the composition being substantially free from electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a secondary emulsion consisting of droplets of a phase A, dispersed in a phase B, A being immiscible in B, starting with a polydispersed primary emulsion of identical formulation and consisting of droplets of the said phase A dispersed in the said phase B, the droplets of the secondary emulsion having a diameter in all cases which is less than the diameter of the droplets of the primary emulsion, characterized in that the starting primary emulsion is viscoelastic and in that the said starting primary emulsion is subjected to a controlled shear such that the same maximum shear is applied to the entire emulsion.