Pseudo ternary phase diagrams: a practical approach for the area and centroid calculation of stable microemulsion regions

Abstract

Background and Aims: This study aims to develop and evaluate a practical approach for the complicated area and centroid calculation of stable microemulsion regions. Pseudo ternary phase diagrams are used to determine the region of microemulsion existence. The effect of various surfactant/co-surfactant weight ratios on the extent of a stable microemulsion area can easily be observed with these diagrams. Furthermore, the optimum formulations are selected using the centroid of the microemulsion region. Methods: Microemulsion formulations were prepared by changing the weight ratios of the components. The titration method was used at a constant temperature. A pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed using the spots of the stable microemulsion formulations. Results: The area and centroid of the stable microemulsion region were calculated by using the formulas manually and the macro edited for Microsoft® Excel. Both results were the same. The macro was user-friendly, easy to use, and worked well in Microsoft® Excel. Conclusion: Definitions, formulas, algorithms, and calculations used in this research will be constructive for everyone interested in this field and can be modified very easily in every different case.