Novel evaluation method for the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion stability by turbidity ratio measurements

Abstract

The turbidity ratio method of evaluating the stabilities of water-in-oil emulsions has been established with two wavelengths (450 and 850 nm) by taking the intensity ratio of two beams. The slopes of turbidity ratio of several water-in-oil emulsions with time were calculated to evaluate the emulsion stabilities at different HLB (Hydrophilie-Lipophile Balance), the amounts of emulsifiers, and water contents. The results of the turbidity ratio technique were consistent with the amount of phase separation of emulsions incubated for 30 days at room temperature. From the turbidity ratio measurements, we determined that the required HLB of diesel oil was about 6.0, and that the stability of emulsion increased with the amount of emulsifier. The increasing amount of the water showed a negative effect on emulsion stability. Finally, this method provides a useful tool for the quick evaluation of the required HLB and the condition of emulsification throughout this study.