Algebraic Extraction of Information from Emulsion Phase Diagrams: Tie Line Equations from Vapor Pressure Measurements

Abstract

The composition was determined of equilibrium phases in an emulsion with minute solubility of the surfactant and the oil in the aqueous phase using a combination of vapor pressure measurements and an algebraic system to extract information from phase diagrams. The method allowed not only to determine the equilibrium composition of the aqueous phase, which is otherwise difficult to establish experimentally, but also gave a single empirical equation to describe any tie line in the two-phase region.

Keywords:

• Emulsions
• fragrances
• microemulsions
• phase equilibria
• vapor pressures

Notes

^a The numbers for A_Oi are from Equations (3) and (4).

Part of the special issue, Surface and Colloid Chemistry Without Borders: An International Festschrift for Professor Per Stenius on the Occasion of His 70th Birthday.