Foaming and emulsifying properties of fatty acids neutralized by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide

► Dispersion of fatty acids/TBAOH yields micelles at room temperature and allows the production of emulsions and foams. ► Foams and emulsions are modulated by the nature of the fatty acid and the concentration with respect to their CMC. ► Emulsions are relatively stable although creaming occurs. ► The systems exhibit good foamability but the foams stability are low. ► Foamability associated with unstable foams may be of practical interest for various applications.