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Relationship between surfactant phase behavior and the creaming and coalescence of macroemulsions

Journal Article · · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

The system under investigation in this study contained as surfactant Siponate DS-10, a blend of isomers of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). Secondary butanol (2 BuOH) and isopentanol (IC/sub 5/OH) were used as cosurfactants. The concentrations of SDBS and IC/sub 5/OH were maintained at 3 grams per deciliter (gpdl), while systems were studied which contained either one or 3 gpdl 2 BuOH. The hydrocarbon was normal nonane. The rate of creaming of macroemulsions decreases as the 3-phase boundaries are approached. Factors such as the density difference between phases, the continuous phase bulk viscosity, and the interfacial viscosity all act to decrease the rate of creaming. The rate of coalescence increases as the 3-phase region is approached, and it increases dramatically in the 3-phase region. The maxima in initial emulsion stability at the upper and lower 3-phase boundaries observed by Bourrel are caused by the competing rates of creaming and coalescence. The interfacial viscosity of microemulsion systems reaches a maximum at the phase boundaries. 11 references.

OSTI ID:
6275767
Journal Information:
J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 85:1; ISSN JCISA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English