Encapsulation of Jojoba and Andiroba Oils by Miniemulsion Polymerization. Effect on Molar Mass Distribution

This paper aims to study the encapsulation of jojoba and andiroba oils via miniemulsion polymerization. The effect of different hydrophilic monomers (acrylic or methacrylic acid), co-stabilizers (hexadecane, jojoba oil or andiroba oil) and initiator concentrations were evaluated. Results indicated the formation of particles with nanocapsule morphology when either hexadecane or jojoba oils were used. When andiroba oil was used no phase separation could be detected in polymer particles and molar mass distributions showed a shoulder of intermediate molar masses between those of the oil and of the pure polymer.