High demand for polymers is playing significant role in the overall development of process oil industry
Process oil is used in polymer manufacturing as an additive, catalyst, carrier, lubricant, emulsifier, and lubrication carrier. Depending on the kind, the polymer segment is estimated to command the largest market share through the forecast period. Usage is increasing because of its high flexibility over a wide range of polymer systems. However, this versatile ingredient may also have disadvantages for specific applications. The usefulness of process oil depends on several factors, such as its viscosity, solubility, molecular weight, solubility energy, and temperature. Its low-temperature ability results in process oil that does not stick and leave a layer of droplets behind after dispersion. This feature is especially useful in making thin-film emulsions, where emulsification of dissolved substances is important. In other cases, the oil crystalizes into droplets, which may form clumpy droplets with a high concentration of dissolved matter. Process oil is mixed with low-temperature wa...