Superstabilization of emulsions by solid particles

Abstract

Abstract Here, solid-stabilized emulsions were developed that were stable for up to one year in both closed test tubes and open air. A complex of silica (aerosil A-380)-hexylamine was used for the emulsions. Both oil-in-water and water-in-oil (O/W and W/O) emulsions were extraordinarily stable, for up to one year when the silica–hexylamine stabilizing complex was incorporated. W/O emulsions formed when the hexylamine volume concentration exceeded that of the silica. If the hexylamine concentration was lower than that of the silica, then O/W emulsions were formed. The emulsion samples maintained their structures, even when exposed to air for a year. When exposed to air, the emulsions dried without destruction of the three-dimensional network of spherical layers of solid particles. A solid nano-microporous material was formed from the reverse emulsion as a result of drying. In the case of direct emulsion drying, the continuous phase (inter-droplet liquid) evaporated while the oil phase remained inside of the droplets.