Emulsifier Effects on the Stability of Different Wax Emulsions

Abstract

Wax emulsion has varied application in various industries. Wax and water are immiscible hence the choice of an effective emulsifier is key in formulating wax emulsions. This work focused on identifying an emulsifier as well as its adequate composition that would adequately give a stable wax emulsion. Paraffin wax emulsion was prepared by emulsifying different petroleum waxes (PW) in water using different emulsifiers namely Sorbitan monooleate (SPAN 80), Polyoxyethylene (20), Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN 80), Nonylphenol polyoxyethylene glycol ether (Rokafenol N6 and N22) together with ABS NaS. The relationship between the individual emulsifiers as well as a blend of two different emulsifiers and the multi – functional wax emulsion stability is established. Blends of SPAN 80/TWEEN 80 and Rokafenol N6/Rokafenol N22 are used. The two mixtures have a relatively similar effect on the stability of wax emulsion and hence the Rokafenol N6/Rokafenol N22 blend is further looked at. The most stable emulsion is formed from 2.5 wt% Rokafenol N6/Rokafenol N22 in a ratio of 80/20. Wax emulsion may be diluted with water to a ratio of 1:5 without loss of stability and changes in particle size.

Keywords: Wax emulsion, emulsifiers, hydrophobicity, Rokafenol N6, Rokafenol N22