Preparation of a high-solid-content paraffin emulsion for wood-based panels by a one-pot method

Abstract

High-solid-content paraffin emulsions are essential for waterproofing thick wood-based panels. To address this requirement, a one-pot preparation method was developed using glyceryl monostearate, Pingpingjia O-20, PEG-100 stearate, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate as composite emulsifiers, with small-molecule alcohols and polyether-modified silicone oil introduced as additives. The effects of HLB value and additive composition on emulsion properties were systematically evaluated. The results indicate that at an HLB value of 10.5, and with a 2 : 1 mass ratio of ethylene glycol to polyether-modified silicone oil at 1% of the paraffin mass, the emulsion achieves a viscosity of 13 s, a solid content of 55.43%, no stratification under centrifugal testing, and grade 1 dispersibility. Reproducibility and scale-up experiments confirm that the prepared paraffin emulsion satisfies performance requirements and exhibits stable quality.