Physicochemical parameters influencing the emulsion drop size

The stirring-mixing energy is the most obvious factor in the drop size reduction process, but it is not necessarily the most important one. Both the physicochemical formulation and the composition variables are shown to play a determinant role, at constant stirring condition. The generalized formulation versus water/oil ratio diagram allows to map emulsion properties such as emulsion type, stability and viscosity. It is used to discuss the combined effect of the formulation and composition upon the emulsion drop size, through their influences on the interfacial tension, and the emulsion viscosity and stability.