摘要 |
<p>A method of quenching which comprises the steps of (a) immersing a metal heated to an elevated temperature in a quenchant composition comprising an aqueous-solution of a sufficiently hydrophilic water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymer of the formula: Y[AR]x to provide a solution containing 15.0 weight percent of polymer and a balance of water with a Drag Out Value of less than about 40, preferably less than about 35 and most preferably less than about 25 under Standard Conditions; wherein Y is the residue of an active hydrogen-containing organic copound following active hydrogen removal; x is an integer having a value of at least 1; wherein for values of x greater than 1 each AR segment of the polymer is the same or different; A is a random or block polyoxyalkylene residue having units derived from ethylene oxide and at least one other lower alkylene oxide having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; and R is hydrogen or an hydrolytically stable organic moiety; wherein for values of x greater than 1 each AR segment of the polymer is the same or different; with the proviso that R is only hydrogen or an organic moiety less hydrophobic than propane either when x is 1 and Y is at least as hydrophobic as hexane or when x is greater than 1 and at least one other R, individually or in combination is sufficiently hydrophobic to depress the cloud point of a 10% by weight aqueous solution of the corresponding Y[AR]x, wherein R is hydrogen, by 10 DEG F.; and (b) removing the metal from the quenchant when a desired low temperature is reached.</p> |