Characterization of the emulsions formed by catastrophic phase inversion

• U-shape dependence of phase inversion locus on HLB was observed.
• Minimum phase inversion point and smallest droplet size arose at HLB of 9.7.
• IR spectra could effectively explain the morphologies changes.

Emulsions were prepared in the system water/Span 80-Tween 80/paraffin oil via the catastrophic phase inversion method. The conductivities of the system were monitored in the process to detect the phase inversion locus. The infrared (IR) spectrometer was used to investigate the phase inversions and the results showed that the transmittances changes of the hydroxyl groups in IR spectra could effectively explain the morphologies changes in phase inversion locus. The IR spectra results were compared with the conductivities changes in the process and the influence of the hydroplie–lipophile balance (HLB) values on phase inversion locus was discussed. The results showed that the smallest particle size, the best emulsion stability and the minimum phase inversion point were observed at HLB of 9.7.

Infrared spectrum of the emulsions stabilized by 4 wt% Tween 80.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide