Triacylglycerol microemulsions stabilized by alkyl ethoxylate surfactants--a basic study. Phase behavior, interfacial...

Area of Science:

• Complex fluids science
• Colloid and surface chemistry
• Materials science

Background:

• Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are primary components of natural fats and oils.
• Solubilization of TAGs into emulsions and microemulsions is of significant interest.
• Systematic studies on TAG-based microemulsions using complex fluids science principles are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phase behavior, interfacial tension, and microstructure of H2O/NaCl-triacylglycerol-alkylpolyglycolether (C(i)E(j)) systems.
• To understand the conditions required for solubilizing triacylglycerols in microemulsions.
• To confirm the microemulsion nature of these systems.

Main Methods:

• Phase behavior analysis
• Interfacial tension measurements (sigma(ab))
• Microstructure characterization
• Determination of amphiphilicity factor (f(a))
• Calculation of bending rigidities of the amphiphilic film

Main Results:

• High interfacial tension (sigma(ab)) was observed in microemulsion systems containing triolein.
• High surfactant mass fractions are required to formulate single-phase microemulsions with triolein and saturated long-chained TAGs.
• Despite high surfactant mass fractions and temperatures, these systems are confirmed as microemulsions.

Conclusions:

• Solubilizing triacylglycerols in alkylpolyglycolether-based microemulsions requires specific conditions.
• The characterized systems, even under demanding conditions, maintain their classification as microemulsions.
• Findings contribute to the understanding of complex fluid behavior with lipid components.