Physicochemical Characterization of Ethoxylation Products of Fatty Acid Esters

• Main Authors: Marek Lukosek, Magdalena Emmons-Burzyńska, Krzysztof Alejski, Iwona Szwach
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-04-01
• Series: Frontiers in Chemical Engineering
• Subjects: ethoxylation; catalyst of ethoxylation; oxyethylated esters; catalyst; natural raw materials
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fceng.2021.617701/full

The processes of direct ethoxylation of methyl and ethyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids have been described. Two different types of catalysts were employed in those tests: calcium-based catalyst and aluminum-magnesium-based catalyst. Compositions of the synthesized oxyethylates were analyzed with the use of the GC/FID, GC/MS, GPC, and HPLC, HPLC/MS, MALDI methods. Comparative evaluation of the obtained products for both types of catalysts was run in terms of reaction by-products. Biodegradation tests of the oxyethylated products were carried out according to OECD guidelines and physical and chemical properties of oxyethylates were specified which affects the directions of their applications.