A mechanical method of making an oil-in-water microemulsion containing (A) a polysiloxane and (B) an inert fluid selected from an inert siloxane fluid and an inert organic fluid, where the average emulsion particle size is between 1 and 140 nanometers, is disclosed. The process involves the following steps: i) preparing an oil phase comprising a polysiloxane containing mixture by the polymerization of silane or siloxane containing monomers and/or oligomers in the presence of an inert fluid, a suitable catalyst and optionally an end-blocking agent; and ii) where required quenching the polymerization process; wherein the inert fluid is substantially retained within the resulting polysiloxane containing mixture; iii) if required, mixing one or more surfactants into the oil phase; iv) adding water to the oil phase, followed by applying agitation or shear to the mixture to arrive at an oil-in-water microemulsion; v) optionally diluting the oil-in-water microemulsion by adding more water.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides amphiphilic nanosheets that comprise lamellar crystals with at least two regions: a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophobic region. In some embodiments, the amphiphilic nanosheets of the present invention also comprise a plurality of functional groups that are appended to the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments the functional groups are hydrophobic functional groups that are appended to the second region of the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the lamellar crystals comprise -zirconium phosphates. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned amphiphilic nanosheets. Such methods generally comprise appending one or more functional groups to a stack of lamellar crystals; and exfoliating the stack of lamellar crystals for form the amphiphilic nanosheets.

A method of making a sacrificial coating composition is disclosed. The method comprises emulsifying an oil with surfactant and water to form an oil-in-water emulsion; and combining ingredients comprising (i) at least one polymer, (ii) at least one hygroscopic material, (iii) the oil-in water emulsion and (iv) water to produce the sacrificial coating composition. The at least one polymer is selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic polymer, a latex comprising polymer particles dispersed in a continuous liquid phase, or mixtures thereof.

A composition is disclosed for aiding extraction of an emulsified oil from an oil and water emulsion. The composition includes silicon containing particles at a level of 0.1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; an emulsifying agent at a level of 1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; and water at a level of 40 wt. % to 99 wt. %. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) dispersing silicon containing particles into the material using a mechanical blending device; and (b) separating the oil from the material. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a dispersion of silicon containing particles in water; (b) metering the dispersion into the material; and (c) separating the oil from the material.

An electrowetting element comprises a first fluid and a second fluid substantially immiscible with the first fluid. Greater than or equal to 0.05 wt % and less than or equal to 15 wt % of the second fluid is water.