Phase behavior of liquid–crystalline emulsion systems

The phase behavior of a mixture containing a surfactant, fatty alcohols and water has been analyzed. Depending on the amount of surfactant, i.e. N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) octadecanamide, the emulsion-like system forms different microstructures. With increasing surfactant content the formulation evolves from a system with lyotropic lamellar phases to a system with crystal layer phases. 13C-CPMAS NMR studies carried out at varying surfactant levels showed significant differences in the behavior of the system. Using 2H and 13C-CPMAS NMR, X-ray scattering, DSC and polarization microscopy a phase diagram of this system could be derived. Additionally, ultrasonic velocity measurements showed that the ripening process of the emulsions can take up to 2 weeks and longer.

Graphical abstractThe phase behavior of a liquid crystalline emulsion system of N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) octadecanamide, fatty alcohols and water was studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (104 K)Download as PowerPoint slide