Encapsulation of alkenyl succinic anhydride oil droplets in emulsions: Preparation, characterization, stability properties and application in papermaking

This paper aimed to explore the influence of the guar and xanthan gum complex (GG/XG) on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and sizing efficiency of alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) loaded emulsions. The centrifugal stability of the emulsions was measured using a Turbiscan equipment, the droplets morphology through an optical microscopy, the size of droplets and its distribution through a Mastersizer, and the sizing efficiency through the penetration method. Furthermore, Cryo-SEM and CLSM were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanism of polysaccharides at the ASA-water interface. When the concentration of GG/XG exceeded 0.35%, the ASA emulsions displayed excellent stability and low viscosity, and no water separation was observed even after high-speed centrifugation. By absorbing GG/XG at the oil-water interface, a dense interfacial film was formed, which blocked any interaction between the oil and water, thus hindering the hydrolysis of ASA. The sizing degree of the paper sized by ASA emulsion stored for 2 h was still higher than 88 s. By encapsulating ASA in emulsions that are stabilized exclusively by natural polysaccharides, the need for surfactants is eliminated, which in turn decreases the amount of foam present in the papermaking process, thus making it a more environmentally friendly production method.