CHITIN PARTICLES AS O/W EMULSION STABILIZERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of solid chitin particles for stabilization of oil in water emulsions is evaluated. It was found that the chitin particles can adsorb at the oil water interface, and in view of their surface, properties (γP, γD,) paraffin oil in water emulsions were prepared. Stable emulsions were obtained at high concentration of chitin particles (2.5% w/w) when the water phase contained no surfactants. In the presence of only 0.005% w/w Tween 80, stable emulsions were already obtained at 0.5% w/w chitin. From Zeta potential measurements it was concluded that the stabilization of the above emulsion does not result from changes in the electrical properties of emulsion droplets.