Aerosols

Name:
Aerosols
Detailed information:
Suspensions of various kinds may be formed by placing the components together with a compressed gas in a container (bomb). The pressure of the gas causes the mixture to be released as a fine spray (aerosol) or foam (aerogel) when a valve is opened. This technique is used on an industrial scale to spray paints and pesticides. It is also used in consumer items such as perfumes, deodorants, shaving cream, whipped cream, and the like. The propellant gas may be a hydrocarbon (propane, isobutane) or dimethyl ether. Admixture of 15% of methyl chloride with the hydrocarbons reduces their fire risk; for this purpose water can be used with dimethyl ether. Carbon dioxide generated in situ is a propellant which does away with the flammability problem.