Contribution to the thermodynamics of emulsions

Thermodynamic stabilization of colloids

“…A number of investigators (19)(20)(21)(22) have used this approach in an analysis of the stability of microemulsions. A most elegant treatment applicable to all types of disperse systems has been given by Rusanov et al (3,23).…”

Reversible emulsification controlled by ionic surfactants and responsive nanoparticles

“…Recent experiments indeed show remarkably stable hybrid emulsions, 6,7 and in this manuscript we theoretically study two mechanisms for their spontaneous emulsification and thermodynamic stability as induced by ionic surfactants with oppositely charged co-surfactants. 3,8 We find equilibrium droplet radii in the 10-1000 nm regime, under rather stringent conditions for the surfactant parameters in the absence of nanoparticles, and under easily achievable conditions in the presence of nanoparticles (playing the role of 'co-surfactants'). The droplet radius turns out to be mainly governed by the nanoparticle density, which can be conveniently controlled in experiments.…”

“…Fig.2(a) Grand potential density of nanoparticle-coated oil droplets as a function of droplet radius a for the experimental parameters of[8], showing a deep minimum at equilibrium radius a * ¼ 53 nm (see text). Although the ionic charge densities AEs AE x 1 nm À1 are substantial (see inset), their net charge density is as small as s x 10 À2 nm À2 at a * .…”

Self-dispersion of mercury metal into aqueous solutions

“…Theoretical work of emulsions including formation and coalescence has been reported by Lifshitz and Slyozov [29], and dependently by Wagner [30,31]. The concept is based on the dynamics in which an enhancement of the surface energy by formation of droplets causes diffusion of droplets to coalescence one another.…”