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Theory of microemulsions

Conference · · AIChE Symp. Ser.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6720386
The model describes the degree of curvature in a microemulsion droplet in terms of molecular volumes and interactions of emulsifier heads and chains. Force balance and geometry relate the pressure difference across the curved interface to the interfacial tension, emulsifier molecular area, and the head and chain volumes and surface compressibilities. Equations are developed for calculating saturation droplet size and internal phase content. Equations for large droplets reduce to the Laplace capillary equation for a sphere. The model predicts spontaneous uptake of internal phase without postulating a negative interfacial tension.
Research Organization:
Esso Research and Eng Co
OSTI ID:
6720386
Report Number(s):
CONF-740311-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: AIChE Symp. Ser.; (United States) Journal Volume: 40A
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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