The Effect of Phase Volume Ratio on Emulsion Type : I. Beeswax-Borax Ointments

Abstract

A systematic method for the investigation of three component systems is used for the investigation of the system beeswax-borax, liquid petrolatum, and water, in an effort to determine the emulsion type of beeswax-borax ointments. In the event that a beeswax-borax emulsifier is capable of forming both oil in water and water in oil emulsions the component ratios at the point of change in emulsion type will be determined. Investigation of the emulsion type of a basic cold cream consisting of beeswax-borax, liquid petrolatum, and water shows that the resulting ointment may be either oil in water or water in oil. It has been established that in this particular system the ointment will be water in oil if the aqueous phase of the ointment is less than 45 per cent. If the aqueous phase is 45 per cent or more, the ointment will be of the oil in water type.