Interfacial Tensions, Partition Coefficients, and Interfacial Elasticities: Measures for Emulsion Stability?

In this study the interfacial as well as the surface tensions, the partition coefficients Kp, the interfacial elasticities, and the stabilities of o/w-emulsions of the same systems were measured and compared to find a quantitative correlation which can help to control the emulsion stability. The systems in question contain water, paraffin oil and one of four non-ionic technical surfactants commonly used as emulsifiers. While a clear correlation between emulsion stability and equilibrium interfacial tension was found, the different emulsifying capacities cannot be explained by the partition coefficients Kp or the surface tension. However, combining the Kp results with the surface tension data allows us to estimate which emulsifier is more effective in solubilising a given amount of dispersed phase. Another method to classify emulsifiers is to carry out interfacial rheology measurements over a frequency range as broad as possible. Again a clear correlation between interfacial rheology and emulsifying capacity was found. This correlation, however, was restricted to surfactants of the same class. No correlation between interfacial rheology and emulsifying capacity could be found for emulsifiers of different molecular structure.