AbstractsChemistry

When a metallic soap such as Aluminum Stearate is suitably dispersed in a liquid hydrocarbon such as benzene or gasoline, gels are formed which have visco-elastic properties differing considerably from those of ordinary liquids. The anomalous flow characteristics of these systems render them useful for a number of practical applications such as in medications (vaseline) and lubricating greases. During World War II, Aluminum soap-gasoline gels were used extensively as incendiary bomb chargings and flame thrower fuels. The merit of these systems may be indicated by referring to the behavior of one or two commercial products. For application to the skin medications with high viscosity are required to prevent the material from running off. Since it is much more convenient to apply a material of low viscosity, there are distinct advantages in using materials such as a soap-hydrocarbon which has low viscosity while being applied and high viscosity when allowed “to set”. The change from a high to a low viscosity is brought about simply by rubbing or shearing the material. Soap-hydrocarbon lubricants have similar merit. When they are used in high speed machinery they become fluid and there is little resistance to flow. 9 When the machine is stopped the grease adheres to the metal surfaces and forms a protective coating.[...]