Emulsion stability: Delineation of different particle loss mechanisms

Abstract

The kinetics of the emulsion-breaking process are governed by three different particle loss mechanisms: Brownian flocculation, sedimentation flocculation, and creaming. Various particle loss mechanisms have been delineated and the relative importance of Brownian flocculation and sedimentation flocculation compared. A general map presenting regimes of dominant particle loss mechanisms has been developed from which one can determine the dominant particle loss mechanism for a given particle size and density difference. In addition, the relative importance of flocculation and creaming has been delineated for a monodispersed system. The effects of particle size, surface potential, concentration, density difference, temperature, and ionic strength on the relative importance of flocculation and creaming have been analyzed.