Assessing Emulsion Stability:

Question 1

What are the 4 tests for assessing emulsion stability?

Answer 1

Visual Examination
Microcopy
Particle size distribution
pH measurement

Question 2

Describe the Visual examination: advantage and disadvantage

Answer 2

Just looking at the emulsion, non-invasive, doesn’t damage the emulsion, and can examine a large sample size.
Disadvantage is that it can only detect is something is obviously wrong i.e. cracked.

Question 3

Describe Microscopy : advantage and disadvantage

Answer 3

Getting a close look at the particels and is a quantitive measurement i.e. can actually count how much particles have flocculated
Disadvantage is that we can only look at a small sample size. It is also subjective as different machines can detect differently

Question 4

Describe Particle size distribution: : advantage and disadvantage

Answer 4

Many particles are analysed and very rapid.
Disadvantage is that the sample requiers to be diluted therefore the sample is damaged and can’t be usedafter the examination.

Question 5

Describe the pH measurement : advantage and disadvantage

Answer 5

This is simple and rapid and gives us an idea of the charged situation
Disadvantage is that its invasive, and can’t use the emulsion after.

Question 6

What are the factors that affect emulsion stability?

Answer 6

• Interfacial film properties
  -Globule sixe
  -Electrostatic Repulsion
  -Phase Volume Ratio
  -Viscosity of continuous phase
  Density between phases
  Temperature`