Effects of molecule weight on the emulsifying properties of dodecenyl succinic anhydride modified glucuronoxylans

Glucuronoxylans have been considered as an alternative polymer for petroleum polymers in coatings, films, emulsifiers, and other industries. In this study, different molecule weight glucuronoxylans were obtained through xylanase hydrolysis. Dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA) was used as a modifying agent to functionalize glucuronoxylans. At the same degree of substitution (DS), higher molecule weight glucuronoxylans led to better emulsifying properties and emulsion stability. Higher molecule weight DDSA modified glucuronoxylans showed smaller droplets size, lower zeta potential, higher EA (emulsifying activity) and better emulsion stability. These results suggested that molecule weight has positive impact on the emulsifying properties of DDSA modified glucuronoxylans. Furthermore, DS had positive impact on the emulsifying properties of DDSA modified glucuronoxylans.