Effects of storage temperature and duration on physical and microstructure properties of superolein oleogels

The effect of storage temperature and duration on the stability of oleogels produced from sunflower wax, polyglycerol behenic acid ester, and fully hydrogenated palm-based monoacylglycerols in relation to their physical and microstructure properties was investigated. The oleogel kept at 5 °C exhibited the highest hardness due to the formation of more crystals. Polyglycerol behenic acid ester oleogels showed phase separation and amorphous peaks at high temperatures, indicating instability and lack of crystalline structure. sunflower wax oleogels remained stable and exhibited βʹ polymorphs with needle-like crystal structures. The palm-based monoacylglycerol oleogels displayed a complex pattern of crystalline and amorphous behavior, with large crystals and voids, resulting in lower stability despite their high hardness. The findings from microscopy and XRD observations highlight the critical role of a gelator type in determining the properties and stability of oleogels. This knowledge enhances our understanding of the behavior of superolein oleogels, which is essential for their application in various industries.