Influence of interfacial rheology on the viscosity of concentrated emulsions

New models are developed for the viscosity of concentrated emulsions taking into consideration the effects of interfacial rheology and Marangoni phenomenon. The interface is assumed to be viscous with non-zero surface–shear and surface-dilational viscosities. The Marangoni effect is accounted for through non-zero Gibbs elasticity of the interface. The experimental viscosity data for a number of emulsion systems are interpreted in terms of the proposed models.

The plot shows relative viscosity as a function of the interfacial mobility parameter, predicted by the proposed models at a fixed volume fraction of dispersed phase (ϕ = 0.50).Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (94 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Influence of interfacial rheology and Marangoni phenomenon on the relative viscosity of concentrated emulsions is considered.
► New models are developed for emulsion viscosity taking into consideration the effects of interfacial rheology and Marangoni phenomenon.
► Experimental viscosity data for emulsions are interpreted in terms of the proposed models.