Ternary Phase Behaviour of Dihydroxystearic Acid/Octyl Dihydroxystearate/Medium Chain Triglycerides

Abstract

Dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) and octyl dihydroxystearate (DHSA ester) have been successfully prepared from palm oleic acid. Preliminary results showed that these compounds are suitable in personal care and cosmetics products. The objective is to study the phase behaviour in the ternary system of DHSA/DHSA ester/MCT (medium chain triglycerides) at 85°C. Phase changes were observed through polarizing light, whereas the formation of texture was confirmed using a polarizing microscope in combination with heating. From the ternary phase diagram, results show that all ratios of DHSA/DHSA ester were completely in two‐phase region with various concentrations of MCT. Needles and spherulite textures were found in this system.

Keywords:

• Dihydroxystearic acid
• Octyl dihydroxystearate
• Ternary phase diagram

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the Director General of MPOB for permission to publish this article.