Spontaneous Emulsification of Alkyl Ketene Dimer

Abstract

A screening method using factorial design has been used to arrive at a workable formulation for self-emulsification of alkyl ketene dimer, AKD. The emulsification was performed at 60°C which is above the melting temperature of the AKD. Good results were obtained with a combination of calcium dodecylbenzene sulphonate and an alcohol ethoxylate as surfactants and a small amount of dodecanol as cosurfactant. The three amphiphilic compounds were dissolved in the AKD and the mixture was added to the aqueous phase under gentle stirring. The mechanism behind the easy formation of the AKD-in-water emulsion is discussed.