Abstract
Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) and cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo- TEM), in conjunctions with rheological measurements, light and confocal microscopy, x-ray scattering, and solid state NMR, are used to characterize sodium stearate (NaSt) crystals dispersed in waterpropylene glycol (PG) mixtures at macroscopic, microscopic, molecular, and atomic levels. NaSt is a surface-active, structural agent in household and personal cleaning products, including deodorant sticks and soap bars. A better structural characterization of NaSt/PG/water systems has practical importance in personal care and cosmetic industries. NaSt crystals and other soap crystal morphologies have been studied by the TEM/replica technique. However, the replicas were made of the residue after the original sample or its aqueous dilution were dried, and the original structure may have been lost during drying. Cryo-SEM was not used to study NaSt crystals because of its lower resolution and because the crystals are highly susceptible to radiation damage by electron beam.
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