Pickering emulsions strategy for the preparation of wax microparticles stabilized by clay particles

In this study, we examined hybrid organic–inorganic systems consisting of wax droplets stabilised by different inorganic silicate particles, which can be either clays or minerals. These systems show considerable potential for sustainable applications across a wide range of technological fields, particularly in building science and in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. Hence, the behaviour of various inorganic particles that stabilise these Pickering emulsions (PEs) was evaluated. Bright-field and fluorescence microscopies were employed to characterise the wax droplets encapsulated in these oil-in-water emulsions, while image analysis provided quantitative size distributions and a detailed assessment of emulsion polydispersity. Zeta potential measurements were performed to assess particle dispersion in aqueous media before and after emulsification, offering insights into colloidal stability and sedimentation behaviour. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to quantify the wax loading and to compare the stabilisation efficiency of the different particles. This study represents a step forward in the design of tuneable hybrid systems, enabling the control over their properties for future sustainable scaling up.