Stabilization of an Aqueous Bio-Based Wax Nano-Emulsion through Encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Emulsification of biowaxes in aqueous systems is crucial for expanding their applications.
• Current methods may not fully leverage the properties of natural waxes like carnauba wax.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for emulsifying carnauba wax using in-situ imidization of ammonolysed styrene (maleic anhydride).
• To create stabilized organic nanoparticles encapsulating carnauba wax.
• To evaluate the stability, morphology, and properties of these nanoparticles.

Main Methods:

• In-situ imidization reaction of ammonolysed styrene (maleic anhydride) with carnauba wax.
• Parameter study on wax concentration and imidization degree.
• Characterization using Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis.
• Comparison with paraffin wax encapsulation.

Main Results:

• Successful encapsulation of carnauba wax into stable organic nanoparticles (up to 70 wt.-%).
• Carnauba wax demonstrated better compatibility and interaction with the imidized styrene (maleic anhydride) nanoparticles compared to paraffin wax.
• Encapsulated carnauba wax nanoparticles exhibited superior thermal and mechanical stability.
• Nanoparticles were characterized with a droplet phase size of 200 nm.

Conclusions:

• A stable aqueous emulsion of carnauba wax encapsulated in organic nanoparticles was achieved.
• The developed method offers a pathway for incorporating biowaxes into water-based systems.
• The enhanced properties of carnauba wax nanoparticles suggest potential for advanced material applications.