The solid–liquid phase diagrams of binary mixtures of even saturated fatty acids differing by six carbon atoms

Abstract

This study was aimed at using the solid–liquid phase diagrams for three binary mixtures of saturated fatty acids, especially the phase transitions below the liquidus line. These mixtures are compounded by caprylic acid (C 8:0) + myristic acid (C 14:0), capric acid (C 10:0) + palmitic acid (C 16:0), lauric acid (C 12:0) + stearic acid (C 18:0), differing by six carbon atoms between carbon chains. The phase diagrams were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The polarized light microscopy was used to complement the characterization for a full grasp of the phase diagram. Not only do these phase diagrams present peritectic and eutectic reactions, but also metatectic reactions, due to solid–solid phase transitions common, in fatty acids. These findings have contributed to the elucidation of the phase behavior of these important biochemical molecules with implications in various industrial production.