The total annual industrial surfactant market consumption for emulsion polymerization, textile specialties and oil field chemicals represents some 623 million pounds. Of this, estimated demand opportunity potential for soy-based products is 270 million pounds. U.S. demand for textile fatty acid and methyl ester surfactants is estimated at 85 million pounds. Emulsion polymerization, textile specialties and oil field chemicals have been targeted as opportunities for soy surfactants.
Emulsion polymerization is a process used to produce many plastic resins, elastomers and latexes.
Textile specialties are chemical additives for fiber processing and finishing agents. They enhance performance by functioning as emulsifiers, scouring agents, dye assists, leveling agents, foaming agents, lubricants, bactericides, corrosion inhibitors and antistatic agents. They also are biodegradable. Oil field chemicals are surfactants used as drilling fluid lubricants, emulsifiers, suspending agents, corrosion inhibitors and biocides. The basic chemical composition of soy oil derivatives provides excellent surfactant performance potential to both the surfactant manufacturers and end users.