Application of surfactants in emulsifying metalworking fluids

Emulsifying metalworking fluids are subject to continuous evolution in order to increase economy and satisfy growing ecological and safety requirements. Therefore, the composition of modern formulations is becoming more and more sophisticated so that a great number of usual components are changed for new less harmful components. Alkylbenzenesulphonates have been widely used as emulsifiers but they are not allowed anymore. Nowadays, different ethoxylates, fatty acid esters or ether carboxylates can be used in modern formulations. Formulations of emulsifying metalworking fluids based on new types of emulsifiers and their properties are presented in this paper. The results of laboratory and application examinations show that succinic acid esters and ether carboxylates can replace alkylbenzenesulphonates in metalworking emulsions.