On the formation and stability of cellulose-based emulsions in alkaline systems: effect of the solvent quality

Costa, Carolina; Medronho, Bruno; Filipe, Alexandra; Romano, Anabela; Lindman, Björn; Edlund, Håkan; Norgren, Magnus

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/18346

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Abstract(s)

With amphiphilic properties, cellulose molecules are expected to adsorb at the O/W interface and be capable of stabilizing emulsions. The effect of solvent quality on the formation and stability of cellulose-based O/W emulsions was evaluated in different alkaline systems: NaOH, NaOH-urea and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). The optimal solvency conditions for cellulose adsorption at the O/W interface were found for the alkaline solvent with an intermediate polarity (NaOH-urea), which is in line with the favorable conditions for adsorption of an amphiphilic polymer. A very good solvency (in TBAH) and the interfacial activity of the cation lead to lack of stability because of low cellulose adsorption. However, to achieve long-term stability and prevent oil separation in NaOH-urea systems, further reduction in cellulose's solvency was needed, which was achieved by a change in the pH of the emulsions, inducing the regeneration of cellulose at the surface of the oil droplets (in-situ regeneration).