Paraffin wax emulsions stabilized with polymers, surfactants, and nanoparticles

Abstract

Problems preparing paraffin wax emulsions stabilized by different types of emulsifiers have been discussed. The effect of the preparation conditions and stabilizers, such as polyethylene glycol and cetyl/oleyl alcohol ether (Eumulgin O10), polyvinyl alcohol, and SiO₂@Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (20 nm in diameter) on the dispersion of paraffin wax emulsions has been demonstrated. It has been noted that, in order to obtain paraffin wax particles with an average diameter of 400–500 nm, the concentration of PVA, Eumulgin O10, and SiO₂@Al₂O₃ nanoparticles must be equal to 0.5, 0.5, and 1.0 wt %, respectively.