Use of phenol as rapid inverse latex inversion promoter and solution viscosity enhancer

摘要

A method of rapidly dissolving a water-soluble polymer into water. A water-in-oil latex having the polymer dispersed in the water phase thereof is added to the water. Phenol (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 OH) is added to the water in an amount sufficient to promote rapid inversion of the latex and release of the polymer into the water. When used in connection with certain latexes, phenol also functions to increase the viscosity of the water by as much as three times or more that achieved by complete inversion of the latex and release of the polymer into the water alone.