Physicochemical Properties of Monodisperse Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Abstract

The bulk physiochemical properties of oil-in-water emulsions are strongly influenced by the size, concentration and interactions of the droplets that they contain. Emulsions of different appearance, rheology and stability can therefore be created by systematically manipulating droplet characteristics. In this manuscript we review recent studies of the influence of droplet concentration (0 to 67 vol%), droplet radius (0.1 to 1.0 μm) and droplet flocculation (depletion) on the rheology, creaming stability and optical properties of monodisperse oil-in-water emulsions. Monodisperse emulsions were prepared by fractionating polydisperse emulsions using a depletion-flocculation technique. The major advantage of using monodisperse emulsions is that the interpretation of experimental data is facilitated. An improved understanding of the relationship between droplet characteristics and emulsion properties will facilitate the rational design of emulsion-based products with specific functional attributes.