OIL GELS
Oil gels, also called oleogels, are modified oils with highly versatile properties, offering endless possibilities for new uses and formulations in various applications. Oil gels can achieve high flexibility and transparency as a mixture of styrenic block copolymers (SBC) and oils. Our manufacturing capabilities allow for narrow molecular specification ranges during production, making oil gels highly suitable in sensitive applications requiring high-quality consistency.
Oil Gels
Literature
Benefits
- EHigh formulation versatility
- EWide range of rheological profiles
- ELow viscosity for easy mixing and handling
- EHigh clarity and transparency
- EExcellent film-forming properties
- EStrong moisture resistance
Telecommunication Cable Filling
To ensure consumers experience uninterrupted internet connection, telecommunication cables must resist and remain protected from water access, which often leads to signal loss or attenuation. Water-repellent oil gels based on Kraton SBC are excellent cable-filling compounds that enhance the cable’s lifespan.
Oil gels deliver a combination of optimal application and service temperatures, viscosity consistency, and excellent oil retention. It can be rubbery compounds that are used in copper cables or shear-thinning greases used in optical fiber cables. Our SBC have tight molecular specification windows, enabling the oil gels to achieve low and consistent viscosity at increased shear rates. This makes it easy to pump into the cables and is highly suitable for shear-thinning gels in high-speed optical cable manufacturing lines. SBC also has excellent compatibility with mineral oils, which helps prevent oil bleedout.
Benefits:
- Easy to dissolve
- Efficient thickening
- Highly compatible with a wide range of oils
- Shear-thinning gels
- Water repellent
- High-drop point
- No oil separation
- Good impact resistance
Used In:
- Copper cable
- Fiber optic cable
Comfort Cushioning
From an athlete training for intense competitions to a manager working at the desk for long periods, finding the right balance of cushion comfort and support is critical to achieving both goals.
Cohesive oil gels based on Kraton styrenic block copolymers (SBC) offers the flexibility to develop and tailor cushioning solutions for a wide range of applications. Depending on the type and quantity of SBC used in the oil gel, formulators can attain a variety of properties needed to optimize product performance.
Benefits:
- Clear, colorless, odorless oil gels
- Excellent cushioning
- Soothing
Used In:
- Orthopedics
- Shoe insoles
- Bicycle saddles
Cosmetics
The global cosmetic industry constantly evolves with new trends and emerging customer segments, especially as personalized beauty care increases. Kraton’s state-of-the-art polymer solutions for specialty oil gels offer the flexibility to create endless possibilities for new uses and formulations to meet the industry’s growing needs.