Effect of stirring energy upon the dynamic inversion hysteresis of emulsions

Abstract

The effect of stirring energy upon the characteristics of dynamic emulsion inversion is discussed on an experimental formulation–composition map for emulsions containing an anionic surfactant. It is shown that a vigorous agitation promotes the early inversion of high internal phase ratio emulsions. The hysteresis zone narrows and moves to an intermediate position within the ambivalent region that is attained for lower stirring speeds. A simple explanation based on the catastrophic inversion model is proposed to interpret these features.