Emulsion

What is Emulsion?

Emulsion is formed by mixing of two or more than two normally immiscible liquids that is we  can be separated  into their original form.Emulsion is a part of system which has two phases or we can say emulsion have two- phase system of matter  that is known as colloids.Emulsion definition or we can define emulsion as,A fine dispersion of very small particle or droplets of one liquids in another liquids and both the liquids  are  insoluble or immiscible with each other.Emulsion is formed  with the help of emulsifiers.Some of the example of emulsion are Paint,mayonnaise,butter,egg yolks,salad dressing which is an example of oil and vinegar etc.We all know that oil and water can not be mixed but mayonnaise,milk are some example of water and oil mixture emulsion.

Emulsification

Emulsion definition or Emulsion is defined as it is a scientific process of mixing of two insoluble or immiscible liquids which can be separated into their original form.The procedure which helps  in formation of an emulsion is known as emulsification.

In our daily life we encounter many types of emulsions,In which most of the emulsions are man – made.Emulsion is a part of system which have two phases of matter and commonly  known as colloids.Emulsion is a liquid that why it do not exhibit any static internal structure.

The term emulsion is generally used to show the side of photographic film which is photo-sensitive in nature.Example of photographic emulsion is silver halide droplets dispersion in gelatin matrix mixture.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers is a substance which is used to increase kinetic energy of an emulsion which in result helps in stabilizing the emulsion.

Emulsifiers which are more soluble in oil will form oil in water emulsion,oil in water emulsion means that oil droplets are dispersed in water,the quantity of oil is very less in comparison to that of water.Emulsifiers which are more soluble in water are used in formation of water in oil emulsion,This type of emulsion state that water droplets are dispersed in oil.

Some of the example of emulsifiers are:

1. Egg yolks-emulsifying agent used is lecithin.
2. Mustard -mucilage acts as an emulsifier in mustard.
3. Soy lecithin is also a type emulsifier which is used to increase thickness of solution.
4. In proteins,casein is an important type of emulsifier used in stabilizing milk.

There are some factors that also affect the stability of emulsion such as particle size,particle distribution in solution,density between particles.

How can we form emulsions?

Emulsion is formed by providing energy to two liquids which are not soluble like water and oil together in the presence of an emulsifier which is used to stabilize the formed emulsion.

Emulsion formed can be for example protein,phospholipid etc.

Spontaneous emulsion occurs only under some specific conditions like surface tension gradient,dispersion mechanism,condensation mechanism etc.

In the process of making emulsion,choosing a suitable emulsifier is a very crucial event,Because it helps determine the type of emulsion formed.

Types of emulsions 

• Oil in water emulsion 

When oil phase droplets are dispersed in aqueous continuous phase,This system is known as an oil in water emulsion.In this type of emulsion hydrophilic emulsifiers are used.

Sodium lauryl sulfate,sodium oleate etc.are some examples of oil in water emulsions.

• Water in oil emulsion 

When aqueous phase droplets are dispersed in an oil continuous phase,This system is known as water in oil emulsion.In this lipophilic emulsifiers are used.Cholesterol, wool fats etc. are some examples of water in oil emulsions.

• Water in oil in water or Multiple Emulsion 

When water in oil emulsion is dispersed in aqueous continuous phase which creates multiple emulsion.For example Bitumen emulsion which is used in manufacturing of roads.

Uses

1.Cleansing action: Soap is used as an emulsifier in water which helps in removing dirt,oils,grease from the skin,garments and utensils.

2.In pharmaceuticals preparation agar-agar and gum acacia as emulsifying agents are used for purposes like formation of cod liver oil,Halibut liver oil etc.

3.Many lotions,ointments and creams are also an example of emulsion.

4.Lysol and phenyl act as disinfectant yield emulsion of oil in water type when oil is poured in water.

5.Emulsification also helps in digestion of fats in the digestive tract.

Conclusion 

Emulsions are  prepared by the help of an immiscible liquids,Which are mixed together for the formation of emulsion.Emulsions are colloidal in nature,means we can not see from emulsion and like colloids, the motion of light emulsion is also takes place in zig zag manner.In emulsion two phases are present one is disperse phases which is small in quantity and another one is continuous phase which is larger in quantity or we can refer continuous phase as solvent and disperse phase as solute.