1. Reasons for using silicone oil in emulsion


(I) Solubility and dispersibility
Soluble in water
Silicone oil itself is usually hydrophobic and insoluble in water. In many application scenarios, such as textile printing and dyeing, papermaking and other industries, the operating system is often aqueous. After silicone oil is made into an emulsion, it can be well dispersed in water, so that it can be easily added to these aqueous systems. For example, in textile printing and dyeing, fabric processing is mostly carried out in an aqueous environment. Silicone oil emulsion can be evenly distributed in the dye bath and then act on the fabric.


Uniform dispersion in multiphase system
In some complex systems containing multiple components, silicone oil emulsion can be better dispersed. For example, in cosmetic formulas, there are both oil-soluble ingredients and water-soluble ingredients. Silicone oil emulsion can be evenly dispersed in this multiphase system to avoid silicone oil self-agglomeration, so as to better exert its efficacy, such as improving the feel of cosmetic application.


(II) Easy to apply and handle
In many cases, silicone oil in emulsion form is easier to apply and handle. Taking leather care as an example, silicone oil emulsion can be easily applied evenly to the leather surface with a brush or spray gun. If it is pure silicone oil, it is very viscous and difficult to apply evenly.


Accurately control the dosage
The emulsion form makes it easy to accurately control the dosage of silicone oil. In some industrial productions that require precise dosage, such as the cleaning and protection links in the manufacturing process of electronic chips, silicone oil emulsion can be added through a precise metering device to ensure that the amount of silicone oil used in each batch of products is consistent and the stability of product quality is guaranteed.


(III) Cost and efficiency considerations
Reducing costs
Direct use of silicone oil may require special equipment for processing and transportation due to its high viscosity and other characteristics. Making silicone oil into emulsion can reduce these costs to a certain extent. For example, in the production of architectural coatings, if high-viscosity silicone oil is used, high-power stirring equipment may be required for mixing, while silicone oil emulsion can be well handled with relatively low-power equipment.


Improve production efficiency
Silicone oil emulsion can be quickly mixed with other raw materials during the preparation process, which can speed up the production process on the production line. For example, in the papermaking industry, silicone oil emulsion can be quickly mixed with pulp to improve the efficiency of paper production and reduce the production cycle.


(IV) Performance optimization
Improved interfacial activity
After silicone oil is made into emulsion, its interfacial activity is improved. In pesticide formulations, silicone oil emulsion can be used as an excellent spreader and penetrant. It can reduce the surface tension between pesticide droplets and the surface of plant leaves, so that pesticide droplets can be better spread and penetrate on the leaves, and improve the efficacy of pesticides.


Improved stability
In some products that are stored and used for a long time, silicone oil emulsion has better stability than pure silicone oil. For example, in skin care products, silicone oil emulsion can maintain its stable performance during the shelf life, and will not have adverse phenomena such as silicone oil precipitation, ensuring the quality and use effect of the product.