Stable, constant particle size, aqueous emulsions of nonpolar silanes suitable for use in water repellence applications

摘要

This invention relates to a stable aqueous silane emulsion with constant particle size. The emulsion comprises a continuous water phase, a discontinuous silane phase, and an emulsifier system. The emulsifier system contains a primary surfactant and a cosurfactant. The primary surfactant functions to prevent coalescence of particles, by steric or ionic repulsion between particles. The cosurfactant prevents diffusion of the silane into the aqueous phase. The combination of primary surfactant and cosurfactant results in an adsorbed inner layer of cosurfactant between the silane and the outer layer of a mixture of both surfactants which contacts the water phase. The combination of primary surfactant and cosurfactant provides a barrier which prevents diffusion of silane into the water phase. A method for preparing the emulsion is also disclosed.