The influence of interfacial ageing and temperature on the coalescence of oil droplets in water

▶ Using a high speed camera a preliminary understanding of the phenomenon of coalescence of fresh and aged kerosene oil droplets where observations from first contact to final damped equilibrium are reported. ▶ A distinct differences in the coalescence between fresh and aged binary droplets of analytical and technical grade kerosene was found. ▶ On ageing, we believe the more polar aromatic ingredients of kerosene diffuse to the interface modifying the interfacial elasticity and viscosity and delaying the coalescence process.