Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Insights into 2-Ethylhexyl Laurate : A Remarkable Bioester

• Commercial (protiated) samples of the "green" and biodegradable bioester 2-ethylhexyl laurate (2-EHL) were mixed with D-2-EHL synthesized by hydrothermal deuteration, with the mixtures demonstrating bulk structuring in small-angle neutron scattering measurements. Analysis in a polymer scattering framework yielded a radius of gyration (R (g)) of 6.5 angstrom and a Kuhn length (alternatively described as the persistence length or average segment length) of 11.2 angstrom. Samples of 2-EHL dispersed in acetonitrile formed self-assembled structures exceeding the molecular dimensions of the 2-EHL, with a mean aggregation number (N-agg) of 3.5 +/- 0.2 molecules across the tested concentrations. We therefore present structural evidence that this ester can function as a nonionic (co)-surfactant. The available surfactant-like conformations appear to enable performance beyond the low calculated hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of 2.9. Overall, our data offer an explanation for 2-EHL's interfacial adsorption properties via self-assembly, resulting in strong emolliency and lubricity for this sustainable ester-based bio-oil.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Fysikalisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Physical Chemistry (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

solvents

esters

lubrication

small-anglescattering

biobased materials

biodegradable

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