Encapsulation of Thymol and Menthol in MCM-41 Structures

Abstract

Thymol and menthol are phenolic monoterpenes found in the essential oils of various plants. These compounds are highly valued in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to their antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, as well as being economical and safe. However, their high volatility limits their applications.

MCM-41, a mesoporous material, offers high thermal stability and a large specific surface area, with a pore size suitable for hosting and stabilizing bulky molecules like terpenes. Nevertheless, the high cost of the reagents required for its synthesis represents a disadvantage, making its use in specific applications more expensive.

This study explores the encapsulation of thymol and menthol in MCM-41, synthesized using an industrial-grade sodium silicate solution as a silicon precursor. Characterizations carried out before and after impregnation indicate that this material could be effective for this purpose, opening up new possibilities for its application in coatings and paints, as well as offering significant potential for innovations in various industries.