Continuous Phase Research Articles

The effect of polylactic acid-based blend films modified with various biodegradable polymers on the preservation of strawberries

Polylactic acid (PLA) has garnered much attention in the field of fruit and vegetable packaging. Despite its poor flexibility and water resistance, PLA film faces challenges in being used for strawberry storage and freshness preservation due to its inability to maintain flavor quality. In this study, a series of PLA-based modified films was produced by melt blending and extrusion cast processing with PLA as the main component, along with flexible biodegradable polyesters or polycarbonate as the secondary component. First, five different biodegradable polymers were used to investigate the effect of the flexibility and barrier properties of different dispersed phases on the morphology, mechanical properties, and water vapor barrier of PLA-based blend films. Next, the impact on the freshness of strawberries was assessed through examination of fruit color and weight, as well as the levels of O2 and CO2 in the packaging bags. The results showed that the size of the dispersed phase and interfacial bonding with PLA were the key factors determining the mechanical and barrier properties of the blend films. The PLA-polycaprolactone (PCL) blend showed the best compatibility among them, with PCL having the smallest dispersion size (D=0.58μm), higher toughness than the other four PLA blends, and greater enhancement of PLA. Additionally, it exhibited a similar rate of quality loss in strawberry preservation compared to commercial PE. As a result, the color and luster were more completely preserved. The results of this study may help the future development of degradable plastics, to reduce environmental pollution.

A novel polymer based on ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer/chloroprene rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates with rapid thermo-responsive shape memory property

A simple and effective strategy for preparing thermo-responsive shape memory polymers (TSMPs) can be designed where the novel TSMPs based on ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA) and chlorinated polyethylene rubber (CR) thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared using dynamic vulcanization. The morphology of the EMA/CR TPVs exhibited a sea-island structure obviously; moreover, the EMA served as the continuous phase and mainly provided the shape fixation (SF) capability of the blend, while the highly elastic CR was acted as the dispersed phase and provided the primary driving force during the shape recovery (SR) process. The SF and SR behaviors of the EMA/CR TPVs can be effectively controlled by varying the weight ratio of EMA/CR blends. Increasing the weight ratio of EMA/CR, the SF% of the EMA/CR TPVs was enhanced while the SR% was decreased remarkably. The shape memory behaviors of EMA/CR TPVs were significantly influenced by temperature. Notably, when the fixation and recovery temperatures were all set at 95°C, both the SF% and SR% of the EMA/CR TPVs with a weight ratio of 80/20 exceeded 95%, and the SR time was 15∼20s, demonstrating the excellent shape memory property.

Regulating the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys via optimizing Cu/Li ratio and homogenization

The effect of homogenization process on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Al-Cu-Li alloys with various Cu/Li ratios (ranging from 2.4 to 3.7) are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (SR-CT) analysis. The results show that with the increase in the Cu/Li ratio, the volume fraction of the secondary phase (fv) in the as-cast alloys gradually increases, and the morphology of the secondary phases transforms from spherical-like to chain-like. For the single-step homogenization (SSH), the fv decreases with increasing homogenization temperature and time. The 510 ℃ /24 h is identified as the optimal SSH regime due to the alloys exhibiting a lower fv and a shorter SSH time than other SSH regimes. Interestingly, the alloys processed by double-step homogenization (DSH) exhibit a lower fv compared with the SSH process. The residual secondary phases consist of a small number of regular block-Al2Cu, dispersed Al20Cu2Mn3 phase and spherical-like Zr-rich phase after SSH and DSH. Furthermore, according to the results of diffusion kinetics analysis, the secondary phases can be dissolved completely into the matrix after homogenization treatment at 510 °C for 22.9 h. Therefore, the 450 ℃ / 12 h+510 ℃ / 24 h (DSH-24) is determined as the optimal homogenization regime. After DSH, a large number of spherical-like GP-Li and Al3Li nanoparticles are precipitated during natural aging. The critical resolved shear stress calculation model suggests that the Al-4.1Cu-1.3Li alloy with a Cu/Li ratio as 3.2 possess high yield strength. The Al-4.1Cu-1.3Li alloy processed by DSH-24 exhibits excellent mechanical properties, with yield strength of 299 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 449 MPa, and elongation of 18.8 %. This study provides a foundation for the development of high-performance Al-Li alloys.

Vacuum structure of an eight-dimensional SU(3) gauge theory on a magnetized torus

We analyze the vacuum structure of an eight-dimensional non-Abelian gauge theory with a compactified four-dimensional torus as the extra dimensions. As a nontrivial background configuration of the gauge field of an SU(n) gauge group, we suppose a magnetic flux in two extra dimensions, and continuous Wilson line phases are also involved. We introduce matter fields and calculate the mass spectrum of low-energy modes appearing in a four-dimensional effective theory in an SU(3) model as an explicit example. As expected, potentially tachyonic states in four-dimensional modes appear from extra-dimensional gauge fields that couple to the flux background since the gauge group is simply connected. The Wilson line phases give a nonvanishing contribution to their masses, and we have a low-energy mass spectrum without tachyonic states, given that these phases take an appropriate value. To verify the validity of the values of the Wilson line phases, we examine the one-loop effective potential for these phases and explicitly show the contribution from each type of field present in our model. It is clarified that, although there seems to be no local minimum in the potential for the Wilson line phases in the pure Yang-Mills case, by including matter fields, we could find a vacuum configuration where tachyonic states disappear. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Advanced Microfluidic Platform for Tumor Spheroid Formation and Cultivation Fabricated from OSTE+ Polymer

AbstractIn the evolving landscape of cancer research, 3D cell cultures, particularly tumor cell spheroids, are increasingly preferred in drug screening due to their enhanced mimicry of in vivo tumor environments, especially in drug resistance aspects. However, the consistent formation of uniform spheroids and their precise manipulation remain complex challenges. Among various methodologies, droplet microfluidics emerges as a highly effective approach for tumor spheroid formation. This paper introduces a novel, multifaceted microfluidic system that streamlines the entire spheroid cultivation process: (i) generating tumor spheroids from cell suspensions within individual droplets, (ii) merging these droplets into a continuous aqueous phase once spheroid formation is complete, and (iii) transferring the spheroids to a specialized cultivation area within the chip, equipped with trapping elements for extended cultivation in perfusion mode. Remarkably, this process requires no hydrogel encapsulation or external handling, as all operations are conducted within the microfluidic chip. Fabricated from the innovative OSTE+ (off-stoichiometry thiol-ene epoxy) polymer, the chip is designed for repeated use. To show its efficacy, we successfully formed spheroids from MCF-7, GAMG, and U87 cell lines in our system and compared them with spheroids prepared by a traditional agarose microwell method. Additionally, our methodology has successfully enabled the in-chip release of spheroids from droplets, followed by their effective trapping for subsequent cultivation, a process we have exemplified with MCF-7 spheroids. To our knowledge, this research represents the first instance of a fully integrated droplet microfluidic platform achieving scaffoldless tumor spheroid formation and handling. Our method holds promise for improving high-throughput, automated procedures in the formation, transfer, and cultivation of tumor cell spheroids. Graphical abstract

Heat transfer characteristics during bottom-blown bubble coalescence

Bubble swarm evolution and behaviors are the key to study the heat transfer between a bubble swarm and its surrounding flow field, and are of significant and systematic theoretical guidance for exploring the process reinforcement technology and processes. In this study targeted at Therminol®66 and R245fa, we analyzed the three factors affecting gas-liquid two-phase flow. The results show that the flow rate of the dispersed phase has a significant effect on the heat transfer coefficient. When the flow rate of the working medium increases from 0.4 kg s-1 to 0.8 kg s-1, the heat transfer coefficient increases by about 1.25 times. The initial temperature difference is positively correlated with the heat transfer coefficient, but the continuous phase height increases the heat transfer coefficient first and then decreases. The heat transfer coefficient model is in good agreement with the results of Kwon, and the deviation is within 20 %, accounting for 92.464 %, which can be further used to describe the heat transfer process of heat exchanger or bottom-blown melting pool. Correlation equations for the Nusselt number (Nu) is developed, with average absolute deviation of 18.49 %.

Fabrication of co-continuous morphology of polysulfone/nylon 6, 6 nanocomposites by varying the concentration of organically modified clay content

A unique morphology was fabricated using melt mixing of polysulfone (PSU) and nylon 6, 6, as well as organically modified clay to produce two blended nanocomposite compositions (80/20 and 60/40 w/w) of polysulfone and nylon 6, 6. The morphology of PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend nanocomposites with various amounts of clay has been examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). In the case of 80/20 (w/w) PSU/Nylon 6, 6 without clay, the Nylon 6, 6 is dispersed in the PSU matrix with an average particle size of about 6.81 micrometers (μm). After adding clay (2%, 4%, and 8%), the domain size of nylon 6, 6 decreases, although the decrease rate is much slower than initially observed. However, we discovered that when the organoclay level exceeds 2%, the matrix-domain structure transforms into a co-continuous morphology for the 60/40 (w/w) blends. The TEM studies clearly demonstrate that the organoclay preferentially positions itself in the nylon 6, 6 phase, exhibiting a high degree of exfoliation, while the PSU phase of the nanocomposites remains devoid of clay, irrespective of the amount present. This study indicates that the size of clay platelets dispersed in the PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend plays an important role in determining the morphology and stability of these blends. Moreover, the co-continuous structures were stable against further annealing at high temperatures, thus inhibiting the coalescence of the dispersed phase in addition to reducing interfacial tension.

Influence of gold-selenium precursor ratio on synthesis and structural stability of α- and β- AuSe

Gold selenide (AuSe) is a multilayer compound that has yet to be thoroughly studied. The colloidal synthesis and characterization of gold selenide nanoparticles are described, emphasizing the effect of different gold-to-selenium precursor ratios and temperatures on the crystal structure and form. The structural characterization is done using an X-ray diffraction pattern. The coexistence of the α- and β-AuSe phases is observed in all synthesized samples. Our research indicates that the β-AuSe phase was predominantly found in the AuSe preparation process, which involved the reaction of metallic gold with elemental Se in oleylamine at a 1:1 precursor ratio of Au/Se. On the other hand, the mixed phase, which was dominated by the α-phase, was found in the selenium-rich synthesis, which had a 1:4 precursor ratio of Au/Se. The morphologies of the mainly α-AuSe sample are nanobelts, whereas the primarily β-AuSe phase sample has a nanoplate-like structure, according to the TEM and SEM data. All of the samples had Raman vibrational modes with mixed phases. The effect of high pressure on as-prepared AuSe samples has been studied in this work. The introduction of external pressure and temperature allows both phases to transition. The rising pressure reduces the presence of β-phase in the mixed phase sample, which has a pre-dominating α-phase, leaving only a substantial α-phase in the AuSe sample. The phase transition pressure was observed using Raman scattering. Our findings show that 2D AuSe has a lot of promise for multifunctional applications, encouraging more research on these systems.

A robust and continuous carrier phase prediction strategy for GNSS/INS deeply coupled systems

A robust and continuous carrier phase prediction strategy for GNSS/INS deeply coupled systems

Near‐Unity Green Luminescent and Stable Lead‐Free Cs3Cu2Cl5 Nanocrystals Assisted by MnC2O4 Treatment

AbstractThe toxicity and chemical instability shortcomings of lead halide perovskites are major concerns that continue to motivate the search for next generation alternatives. Copper halides are known to be lead‐free, earth‐abundant, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly, and affordable in optoelectronic performance due to their bright luminescence, tunable emission wavelength, and excellent stability. However, the controlled synthesis of low‐dimensional copper halide nanocrystals (NCs) with near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and high stability remains a great challenge. In this work, we report a reasonable optimization approach for the preparation of Cs3Cu2Cl5 NCs by hot‐injection colloidal synthesis technology. Specifically, the Cs3Cu2Cl5 NCs synthesized with MnC2O4 as the defect repair agent exhibited negligible self‐absorption, bright green luminosity with PL emission at about 535 nm and PLQY can be increased from 68.7 % to 100 %. The Cs3Cu2Cl5 NCs shows excellent stability and outstanding optical properties, and is expected to be used as highly efficient green light emitter in high‐efficiency X‐ray scintillator.

Development of a simultaneous analytical method for the dietary exposure determination of β-Carboline alkaloids in foods

As β-carboline (βC) alkaloids, posing potential health risks, are present in a wide variety of foods, determining the exposure degrees of food to these alkaloids from dietary activity is key to ensuring food safety. Here, we developed a rapid and sensitive simultaneous analytical method for six βC alkaloids in food. We optimized the buffered QuEChERS method, which includes a clean-up process through dispersive solid phase extraction, to extract the target compounds from food matrices; then, these compounds were detected via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We established calibration ranges for each target compound and matrix within the range of 0.05–250 μg/kg, and verified linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) and limit of quantitation (≤1.63 μg/kg). Furthermore, we validated trueness (85.8%–118.8%) and precision (≤18.7%) at three levels within the calibration range, including the lowest and highest concentrations. Finally, we employed the developed method to determine the βC alkaloid contents in 304 samples of 41 food items and dietary exposure of six βC alkaloids resulting from daily intake. Although βC alkaloids were detected in 86.2% of the samples, exposure level to the 41 food items was insufficient to cause toxicity.

Colloidal hot injection synthesis of Cu2FeSnS4 nanoparticles towards an enhanced capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries

The increasing demand for portable energy storage devices has prompted a considerable exploration into advanced anode material with higher Li-ion battery capacities. Quaternary chalcopyrite semiconductors have generated significant attention as promising materials in applications such as optoelectronic devices, energy conversion, and energy storage devices. In this paper, Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS) nanoparticles were prepared through a colloidal hot injection method (HIM). The structural analysis indicates that the CFTS nanoparticles exhibit a pure tetragonal structure characterized by high crystallinity. The morphological and elemental analysis shows the stoichiometric synthesis of CFTS nanoparticles with significant agglomeration of crystallites, accompanied by variation in size. The CFTS nanoparticles, employed as an anode material for Li-ion batteries, demonstrated significant performance characterized by high reversible capacity and stability at ambient temperature. The initial discharge capacity is achieved at 1181 mAhg−1 and retains 528 mAhg−1 during charge-discharge cycles within the voltage range of 0.005 to 3.0 V (versus Li/Li+) after 5 cycles. The CFTS nanoparticle performance findings indicate its promising implementation as an anode electrode in Li-ion batteries.

Unveiling a giant electrocaloric effect at low electric fields through continuous phase transition design

The reported electrocaloric (EC) effect in ferroelectrics is poised for application in the next generation of solid-state refrigeration technology, exhibiting substantial developmental potential. This study introduces a novel and efficient EC effect strategy in (1–x)Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 (PLN-xPT) ceramics for low electric-field-driven devices. Phase-field simulations provide fundamental insights into thermally induced continuous phase transitions, guiding subsequent experimental investigations. A comprehensive composition/temperature-driven phase evolution diagram is constructed, elucidating the sequential transformation from ferroelectric (FE) to antiferroelectric (AFE) and finally to paraelectric (PE) phases for x=0.10−0.18 components. Direct measurements of EC performance highlight x=0.16 as an outstanding performer, exhibiting remarkable properties, including an adiabatic temperature change (ΔT) of 3.03 ​K, EC strength (ΔT/ΔE) of 0.08 ​K ​cm kV−1, and a temperature span (Tspan) of 31 ​°C. The superior EC effect performance is attributed to the temperature-induced FE to AFE transition at low electric fields and diffusion phase transition behavior contributing to the wide Tspan. This work provides valuable insights into developing high-performance EC effect across broad temperature ranges through the strategic design of continuous phase transitions, offering a simplified and economical approach for advancing ecofriendly and efficient solid-state cooling technologies.

Broadband vortex beam generation by a reflective meta-surface based on a metal double-slit resonant ring

Recently, the meta-surface (MS) has emerged as a promising alternative method for generating vortex waves. At the same time, MS also faces the problem of a narrow bandwidth; in order to obtain a broad bandwidth, the MS unit cell structure becomes more and more complex, which will bring many inconveniences to the preparation process of MS devices. Therefore, we want to design a simple MS unit cell with a multi-frequency selection. In this paper, based on the principle of geometric phase, we design a simple reflective MS unit cell based on a metal double-slit resonant ring. We elaborate on the resonance mechanism of the MS unit cell. Under the normal incidence of circularly polarized (CP) waves, the reflection coefficient of the same polarization was greater than 85%. By rotating the orientation angle of the resonator on the MS unit cell, the continuous 2π phase coverage was satisfied in the frequency range of 0.52–1.1 THz, and the relative bandwidth becomes 71.6%. Based on this, we construct a vortex generator by using a 15×15 MS unit array. The right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) waves and left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) wave are separately incident on MS with topological charges of l=+1,+2,+3 under multiple resonant frequencies. The generated RCP vortex wave has topological charges of l=−1,−2,−3 and the generated LCP vortex wave has topological charges of l=+1,+2,+3. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that our designed MS, capable of achieving multiple resonance outcomes, can effectively operate in a multi-broadband mode and produce a wide-band vortex beam. In addition, we also calculate the pattern purity. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, we prove that our designed MS can generate a broadband vortex wave.

Modulational instability, modulated wave, and optical solitons for a generalized highly dispersive cubic-quintic-septic-nonic medium with self-frequency shift and self-steepening nonlinear terms

In this research, we delve into a generalized highly dispersive (HD) nonlinear Schrödinger equation, enriched with cubic-quintic-septic-nonic (CQSN) nonlinearities. The core of our investigation revolves around the perturbation of plane waves, aiming to understand their stability characteristics in such a complex medium. We investigate the influence of various factors such as the amplitude of the plane wave, perturbed wave number, nonic nonlinear term, and fourth-order dispersion term. Our findings indicate that increasing the amplitude of the plane wave widens the modulation instability (MI) bands and amplifies the MI growth rate. In contrast, increasing the nonic nonlinear term has opposing effects, narrowing the MI bands and diminishing the amplitude of the MI growth rate. Increasing the fourth-order dispersion term does not affect the amplitude of the MI growth rate but narrows the MI bands. The observed pattern of increasing and then decreasing MI intensity with rising K can be attributed to the complex interplay among phase matching conditions, dispersion effects, and nonlinear saturation. Initially, higher K enhances phase matching and boosts MI growth. However, as K increases further, the combined influence of dispersion and nonlinear effects can diminish the effectiveness of phase matching, resulting in a reduction in MI intensity. A significant portion of our work is dedicated to identifying and analyzing modulated rational, polynomial Jacobi elliptic function solutions, and the emergence of optical solitons within this framework. These findings provide new insights into the nonlinear dynamics underpinning the generalized HDNLSE, enriched with CQSN nonlinearities, offering valuable contributions to the theoretical understanding of such phenomena.

CFD–PBM coupled modeling of liquid–liquid interphase mass transfer behaviors inside the Kenics static mixer

Kenics static mixers (KSM) are commonly used in various industries for its excellent mass transfer performance. It is essential to systematically analyze the relationship between fluid parameters and mass transfer parameters to better understand the mass transfer behaviors between liquid–liquid phases and optimize the mass transfer efficiency of the KSM. In this work, a computational fluid dynamic–population balance model coupled method is utilized and three mass transfer models are compared and analyzed. Further simulations investigate the mass transfer behaviors inside the KSM under different superficial velocities, dispersed phase volume fractions, and aspect ratios. The results show that the increase of superficial velocity leads to the 2.23–14.15–fold increase of volumetric mass transfer coefficient and the 1.71–4.56–fold increase of mass transfer rate. What's more, increasing the dispersed phase volume fraction leads to the significant increase of 15.51 times in volumetric mass transfer coefficient and 34.92 times in mass transfer rate. Moreover, the increase of aspect ratio could result in the reduction of 4.19–1.72 times in volumetric mass transfer coefficient and 1.81–1.17 times in mass transfer rate. This work provides valuable theoretical insights for the optimal design of the KSM and the enhancement of mass transfer performance.

Nanoemulsification of epigallocatechin gallate for debitterization, antibrowning, and inhibition of intracellular lipid accumulation

This study addressed the instability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea-derived polyphenol, by developing a robust EGCG oil-in-water nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion comprised lecithin (dispersed phase), pectin (continuous phase), and gallic acid (antibrowning agent). Using a blend of phases via high-energy ultrasonication, we achieved an 88.9% encapsulation efficiency. The nanoemulsion's physical properties improved, yielding a small droplet size (diameter: 169.3 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.16). The nanoemulsion exhibited long-term stability, 82% DPPH radical scavenging activity and 63% browning prevention compared with EGCG. Upon expressing the human taste receptor TAS2R16 + GIRK1/4 in Xenopus oocytes, the nanoemulsion elicited a 50% decrease in bitterness compared with EGCG, as quantified by the oocytes' membrane potential using the two-electrode voltage clamp method. Treating 3T3-L1 cells with the nanoemulsion resulted in a 49% reduction in lipid accumulation and 58% enhancement of triglyceride degradation, as confirmed via Oil Red O staining and lipolysis studies, respectively. This study provides insights into establishing an effective emulsification system for EGCG, enhancing its role as a functional food ingredient.

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles grafted sulfonated melamine for rapid magnetic dispersive µ-solid phase extraction of pesticides in apple and pear samples: Greenness evaluation

In this research, a facile and rapid magnetic dispersive µ-solid-phase extraction technique based on novel and high-performance sulfonated melamine-modified NiFe2O4 nanoparticles was developed forsimultaneous extraction and separation of fifteen pesticides followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The characterization of the synthesized nano-adsorbent was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The substantial factors including pH, the amount of nano-sorbent, ionic strength, sample volume, and desorption conditions (i.e. desorption solvent type and volume, and desorption time) on the extraction efficiencies of the interest pesticides from apple and pear samples were explored using the matrixed match method. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of 0.2-500µg kg−1, LODs, and LOQs in the range of 0.065–0.077µg kg−1 and 0.22–0.26µg kg−1 for apple and 0.065–0.085µg kg−1 and 0.22–0.29µg kg−1 for pear were acquired. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were evaluated at three spiked concentration levels (10, 50, and 100 μg kg−1 of each analyte) on the same day and five distinct days, respectively. The RSD (%) values were ≤ 3.6 % for intra-day (n = 6) and ≤ 4.3 % for inter-day (5 days and n = 3) precisions. High relative recoveries of 92.5–98.9 % revealed high potential of the presented method for analysis of pesticides in complex matrixes. Moreover, Analytical Greenness metric approach was applied and consequently confirmed the greenness of the method which accompanied with the green analytical aspects.

Singular Continuous Phase for Schrödinger Operators Over Circle Maps with Breaks

Singular Continuous Phase for Schrödinger Operators Over Circle Maps with Breaks

Decoupling the rheological responses of a soft solid emulsion with liquid inclusions

Soft solid emulsions are liquid droplets encapsulated in a soft solid material. Typical of dispersed systems, they can combine properties from both the liquid inclusions and the soft solids. The relative importance of the two phases in the rheological response is captured through the elastocapillary number, which compares capillary forces in the liquid inclusions to the matrix rigidity. We work with solid emulsions formed of poly(ethylene glycol) droplets in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) continuous phase. We create three families of emulsions with varying elastocapillary numbers, and range of inclusion volume fractions from 0 to 0.5. Through oscillatory rheology we probe both the elastic response and the dissipative effects of liquid droplets. In the case of a dominant response from the continuous phase or the drops, the results can be described with Palierne’s model. However, for the intermediate elastocapillary series we show that the evolution of the storage and loss moduli decouple with dispersed phase volume fraction. We attribute the increase of loss factor with volume fraction to the high polydispersity in droplet size. We can further modulate the response of the materials by cooling to freeze the droplets. This approach allows us to compare these soft solid emulsions with theories related to solid dispersions.