Emulsion - Mechanisms of Emulsification

Mechanisms of Emulsification

A number of different chemical and physical processes and mechanisms can be involved in the process of emulsification:

• Surface tension theory - according to this theory, emulsification takes place by reduction of interfacial tension between two phases

• Repulsion theory - the emulsifying agent creates a film over one phase that forms globules, which repel each other. This repulsive force causes them to remain suspended in the dispersion medium

• Viscosity modification - emulgents like acacia and tragacanth, which are hydrocolloids, as well as PEG (or polyethylene glycol), glycerine, and other polymers like CMC (carboxymethylcellulose), all increase the viscosity of the medium, which helps create and maintain the suspension of globules of dispersed phase