Preparation and Properties of Epoxy Oligomer Emulsions Stabilized by Talc Microparticles

Abstract— The conditions for the formation of a water-in-oil (w/o) Pickering emulsion resistant to coalescence and sedimentation with a droplet size of 2–12 μm, stabilized by talc microparticles were established: the oil phase is a 70% solution of CHS-EPOXX 530 resin in xylene, the aqueous phase is suspension of talc in water with a concentration of 6 g/100 mL (water + oil), volume ratio of phases 1 : 1, emulsification for 15 min at 293 K and a rotor speed of 7000 rpm. The formation of w/o emulsions is explained by the lyophobic-lyophilic heterogeneity of the talc microparticles surface, which has basal hydrophobic and lateral hydrophilic areas. High-quality films and coatings with a good degree of curing and mechanical strength were produced using the epoxy-polyamine adduct TELALIT 180 as a hardener. Their structure consists of a polymer framework, including microscopic capsules, which, can be filled with water (293 K) or air (353 K) depending on the curing temperature. Such microcapsules can be carriers of hydrophilic components, such as corrosion inhibitors or intumescent compounds, and can be used to fabricate protective paint and varnish coatings, including self-healing ones, in order to extend their service life. They can also serve as microreactors in the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (MoO₃, TiO₂), which are effective catalysts for the oxidation of organic compounds.