Physical Pharmacy

Lecture-7

Emulsions-2

Dr. Muhammad Sohail

Theories of Emulsions
Theories of Emulsions
Three basic mechanisms are involved in emulsions formation:

1. Reduction in Interfacial Tension

2. Formation of Rigid Interfacial Film

3. Formation of Electrical Double Layer

Reduction in
Interfacial Tension
Reduction in Interfacial Tension
• When two immiscible liquids are mixed i.e., oil is dispersed in water with stirring,
surface area of oil droplets increase and surface free energy increase as a result
interfacial tension is increased.

• In order to stabilize the emulsion. Emulsifying agent (surfactant) is added to the

system.

• Monolayer of emulsifying agent is formed, and coalescence is prevented

Formation of Rigid Interfacial Film
Formation of Rigid Interfacial Film
Hydrophilic polymers e.g., acacia, CMC, HMPC are used, which form a multilayer film
around the dispersed droplet. This film has following properties:

(a) Gel like consistency

(b) Mechanically prevent coalescence and fusion of droplets

(c) It withstand applied stress

(d) Electrostatic repulsion (incase of ionic polymers)

(e) Steric stabilization

(f) Increase viscosity of the continuous phase (Reduce creaming and

sedimentation)
Formation of Electrical Double Layer
Formation of Electrical Double Layer
• Oil droplets (dispersed phased) contain specific charges (+ve or –ve)

• Let suppose –ve charge is there on dispersed phase

• It will adsorb +ve charges from the solution and tightly bounded fixed layer will
be formed

• The fixed layer (+ve charge) will adsorb opposite charges from solution and will
form loose or diffused layer of –ve charges known as shear plane.

• The charge on the shear plan is known as Zeta Potential

• Due to zeta potential oil droplets repel each other and emulsion is stabilized.
Tests for Identification of Type of Emulsion
1. Dilution Test

2. Conductivity Test

3. Dye Solubility Test

Stability of Emulsions
Three major changes associated with Physical stability are:

1. Upward or downward movement of dispersed globules in the

continuous phase called as: creaming and sedimentation.

2. Aggregation of the dispersed globules forming a separate phase

known as cracking of emulsions

3. Phase Inversion