Emulsifiers derived from linseed oil and their potential use in coatings

In the development of a stable linseed oil emulsion paint, a series of emulsifiers were prepared from linseed, oil and its fatty acids and alcohols: (a) linseed monoglycerides, (b) mono‐and dilinseed fatty sorbitan esters and a mixed ester obtained by the transesterification of linseed oil with sorbitol, (c) polyoxyethylene ether adducts formed by reacting, ethylene oxide with these sorbitan esters, and (d) linseed polyoxyethylene ether made by ethoxylation of linseed alcohols. Another series of surfactants was prepared by esterifying a polyoxyethylene ether of sorbitol with various amounts of linseed fatty acids. Conditions of preparation and pertinent physical, and chemical properties of the emulsifiers are given. Some of these emulsifiers demonstrated filmforming properties. Combinations were formulated into linseed oil emulsion paints with and without zinc oxide. Paints containing zinc oxide have been relatively stable in viscosity for about 2 yr.