This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
An emulsion is a system that has at least one immiscible liquid distributed in another liquid, or solid, in the form of tiny droplets. It is an unstable system that is made more stable by the presence of a surfactant. Emulsions have been used by humans for centuries and continue to find application in a variety of industries.
Emulsions are typically made up of a hydrophilic, aqueous portion and a hydrophobic, oil portion. These two portions constitute the internal and external phases of the emulsion. The internal phase is composed of the tiny dispersed droplets, while the external phase is made up of the rest of the materials. The more abundant phase is called the external or continuous phase. When water is the external phase and oil is dispersed, it is known as an oil-in-water emulsion (o/w). If water is the internal phase it is called a...
This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |