| abstract |
Block or graft copolymers useful as surfactants in oil/water systems are described. The copolymers comprise at least two polymeric components of molecular weight at least 500 which are derived from an oil-soluble complex monocarboxylic acid and a polymeric component of molecular weight at least 500 which is derived from a water-soluble polyalkylene glycol. The copolymers may be either oil-soluble or water-soluble depending on their composition and may be used as wetting agents, dispersing agents, emulsifiers or emulsion stabilizers. The oil-soluble copolymers, and their blends with low molecular weight conventional surfactants, are of particular interest for the emulsification of water in hydrocarbon fuel oils. |