Dissolving Particles in Oil (but Water resistant)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for particles that can dissolve in oil but remain intact when exposed to water. The context includes the application of superoleophobic surfaces with specific requirements for particle behavior in relation to cleaning mechanisms using oil and water.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks particles that dissolve in oil but not in water, aiming for a cleaning mechanism that mimics dirt removal.
  • Another participant suggests wax as a potential candidate for particles that dissolve in oil.
  • It is noted that the particle size should be larger than 200nm to avoid penetrating the surface's holes.
  • A participant mentions that different types of wax require increased temperature to dissolve, which may not be suitable for the stated conditions.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of solubility, with suggestions to consider alternatives that do not require the particles to dissolve.
  • Various oils and their properties are discussed, with recommendations for substances that dissolve in specific hydrocarbons.
  • Sticky adhesives are proposed as a potential solution, as they can be soluble in vegetable oil.
  • References to hydrocarbon-based contaminants are made, suggesting they may provide insights into suitable materials.
  • Paste wax is mentioned as a potential option that could resist water after application.
  • Coconut oil is noted for its low melting point, which may be relevant for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of solubility for the cleaning process, with some advocating for dissolvable particles while others suggest that non-dissolvable options may suffice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to meet the cleaning criteria.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the chemical properties of potential materials and the challenges of finding suitable particles that meet the specified criteria. There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the types of oils and particles being considered.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to materials scientists, chemists, and engineers exploring surface interactions and cleaning mechanisms in relation to oil and water repellency.

DolanStyle
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TL;DR
Looking for particles that are dissolvable in a droplet of water but are unaffected by water.
Hello Everybody,

I have a superoleophobic surfaces which shows high contact angle for Water, Oil, Hexadecane...

I am looking for a kind of particles which are attached to the surface and once I touch them with a droplet of oil are dissolving in that oil droplet. If I then remove the droplet, the particle is gone. When I do the same with a droplet of water I want the particle to remain attached to the surface.

This particle should mimic some kind of dirt and I want to be able to clean the surface with dipping an oil droplet on it and then removing it.

My surface has holes with a diameter of 200nm, so the particles should not penetrate these holes.
When using dust or sand I am able to clean the surface with Oil and Water by letting the dirt stick to the droplet surface. However I want to clean the surface by dissolving the particle in the oil.

Every support is greatly appreciated.
 
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DolanStyle said:
TL;DR Summary: Looking for particles that are dissolvable in a droplet of water but are unaffected by water.
Do you mean dissolvable in a droplet of oil?

What size particle?

If you're looking for a solid that dissolves easily in oil but not water, wax comes to mind as something cheap to try.
 
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Thanks for your reply. Yes dissolvable in a droplet of oil.

Particle size should be bigger than 200nm.

I will try wax today thanks.
 
I tried different types of wax but they only dissolve when increasing the temperature but I am working at room temperature. I also am not able to find a solution through google. Is it a difficutl topic within chemistry to dissolve some solid in one oil droplet?

I am a mechanical Engineer so I am not so familiar with chemistry :(
 
Why do you need it dissolved? You also specify the goal as 'This particle should mimic some kind of dirt and I want to be able to clean the surface with dipping an oil droplet on it and then removing it.' which does not includes requirements for solubility, and I think sticking with only that may make things easier.
 
I'm not sure what oil you're using. They aren't all equal. That said, most oils are made up of long chain hydrocarbons and have similar solvent properties to shorter chain hydrocarbons. So waxes will probably dissolve in them given enough time. Other things to try are species that easily dissolve in hexanes or toluene. Things like naphthalene, or even animal fat, butter, or cholesterol.
 
Rive said:
Why do you need it dissolved?
I am looking for something that can be cleaned when using oil but not water. Most of the substances I tried are also cleanable with water.

TeethWhitener said:
I'm not sure what oil you're using.
I am flexible regarding the type of oil I`m using. Thanks for your suggestions. I will try
 
Since you have not put any restrictions on either the type of particles or the oil, note that many sticky adhesives (as on sticky tape) are soluble in vegetable oil.

Works great for removing the residue left on a surface by old tape.
 
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A similar problem is removing dirt from hands with hydrocarbon based residues. I believe it is "Lanolin"-based hand wash that is used to dissolve this when water does not. But scrubbing is necessary.

This is unlikely useful for you, but may lead you to think of Hydrocarbon-based contaminants like grease, asphalt, printer’s ink or petroleum products.
 
  • #10
DolanStyle said:
I tried different types of wax but they only dissolve when increasing the temperature but I am working at room temperature. I also am not able to find a solution through google. Is it a difficutl topic within chemistry to dissolve some solid in one oil droplet?

I am a mechanical Engineer so I am not so familiar with chemistry :(
Description seems like wax emulsion. Unsure - dispersed uniformly in oil?
 
  • #11
DolanStyle said:
I am looking for something that can be cleaned when using oil but not water. Most of the substances I tried are also cleanable with water.
Paste wax? The finished wax after applied on the surface to be coated should be resistant to water.
 
  • #12
coconut oil melts at skin temperature.
 

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