Stability studies of high-stable water-in-oil model emulsions

Abstract

ABSTRACTDifferent compositions and emulsification protocols were used to prepare stable water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions. Water, mineral oil, and a mixture of Span 80 and Tween 80 surfactants were combined to form emulsions that can be used as reference for electrolyte-free systems. Here, we have proposed emulsions wherein different properties were evaluated. Electrical conductivity measurements indicated that conductivity increases linearly with increasing surfactant content. The emulsions’ flow curves and viscoelastic behaviors were delineated by rheological measurements. Stability studies by centrifugal testing have shown that smaller the surfactant content, lower the stability, for any used stirring speeds. Furthermore, higher the applied mixing rate to make the emulsion, higher the stability, regardless of the amount of surfactant. Electrical field stability analysis showed, for all systems, that critical electric field (CEF) values were dependent on either surfactant amount and emulsion elastic modulus.