Inverters

What are inverters?

Inverters are used in the manufacture of inverse polymer emulsions. An inverting surfactant, or breaker must be added to an inverse polymer emulsion for it to be effective in its end use application. Usually added at the end of polymerisation, the inverter allows the polymer to be dispersed in aqueous media. The inverter should not affect the stability of the emulsion.

What is inverse emulsion polymerisation?

We are recognised worldwide as a leading supplier of primary emulsifiers for inverse emulsion polymerisation in water soluble polymer manufacture.

Inverse emulsion polymerisation occurs when an aqueous solution of water-soluble monomers, is dispersed in an oily phase using a water-in-oil emulsifier and polymerised using either an oil-soluble or water-soluble initiator and stabilised by a low hydro lipid balance (HLB) emulsifier system.

What are the benefits of our inverters? 

Although alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APE) are effective invertors, formulators are seeking non-APE solutions with an improved environmental reputation that are also very effective inverters. 

Our range of non-APE inverters offer benefits including:

• Faster inversion of the polymer emulsion than APE surfactants
• More complete inversion, maximising the amount of polymer released into the aqueous phase
• Compatibility with conventional inverting surfactants
• Liquid and easy to handle at room temperature
• Approved for indirect food contact. 

We recognise that requirements differ and we are committed to working closely with you to provide the best solution for your needs.