Thermal Behavior and UV Properties of Organomodified Kaolin Oleochemically Derived from Rubber Seed Oils ( Hevea brasiliensis) and Tea Seed Oils ( Camellia sinensis)

Abstract

Kaolin was modified using a chemical complex of hydrazine hydrate and oleochemical sodium salts derived from rubber seed oil (SRSO) and tea seed oil (STSO) respectively. Characterization of the pristine kaolin and the modified kao-lins were performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Simultaneous Thermogravimetric/Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) and UV Spectrophotometry. TG/DTA revealed that the incorporation of the oleochemical salts enhanced thermal decomposition of kaolin into metakaolin. Ultraviolet spectrophotometric studies conducted on the modified kaolin show for the first time that the SRSO-modified kaolin and STSO-modified kaolin have a peak absorb-ance wavelengths of 312.72 nm and 314.26 nm respectively. This shows that the modified kaolin is a promising candidate for sunscreen applications.