Matrix composition for stable microemulsions
A matrix composition for making a stable microemulsion for an active ingredient includes a C 8 -C 18 N-alkyl pyrrolidone with little or no N-methyl pyrrolidone, and a water-insoluble organic solvent soluble therein, preferably more hydrophilic than said C 8 -C 18 alkyl pyrrolidone and with low water solubility.
1 . A matrix composition consisting essentially of, by wt.,
(a) 5-30% C 8 -C 18 alkyl pyrrolidone,
(b) 5-60% an organic solvent which is soluble in (a),
(c) 30-70% of a non-ionic emulsifier,
(d) 1-15% of an EO/PO/EO copolymer,
(e) 0-5% of a branched alkyl ethoxylated phosphoric acid.
2 . A matrix composition according to claim 1 wherein
(b) is a solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, aldehydes, aliphatic and aromatic, and cyclic hydrocarbons, naturally occurring flavoring agents, vegetable oils, flavoring agents, fragrances and monomers.
3 . A matrix composition according to claim 2 wherein (b) is propylene carbonate, propylene glycol, reduced vinyl pyrrolidone dimer, gamma-butyrolactone, N,N dimethyl imidazolidone, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketone, benzophenone, a benzyl benzoate, ester of a long chain carboxylic acid with greater than 4 carbon atoms or esters with an alkyl group wherein the alcohol segment has more than 4 carbon atoms or an alcohol having greater than 6 carbons.
4 . A matrix composition according to claim 2 wherein (b) is more hydrophilic than (a).
5 . A matrix composition according to claim 1 which includes
(f) 1-30% of an active ingredient.
6 . A stable microemulsion comprising the stable microemulsion concentrate of claim 1 , and water of dilution.
7 . A method of delivering an active ingredient to a desired site which comprises applying the stable microemulsion of claim 6 thereto.
8 . A stable microemulsion concentrate according to claim 5 wherein said active ingredient is a biocide, or an agricultural chemical selected from a fungicide, insecticide and herbicide.
9 . A method according to claim 7 which delivers a medicated hair treating chemical, a fragrance selected from an orange oil, peppermint oil, rose oil, sandalwood oil or jasmine oil, at a concentration of 30-40% which on dilution to 1/100 to 1/1000 produces clear systems, or a water insoluble monomer selected from methyl methacrylate, styrene, alkyl maleate, alkyl cinnamate or an olefinic hydrocarbon or ester or amide.