Characterization of Monomer Emulsions in Terms of Droplet Size and Stability: Effect of Emulsifier Concentration

Abstract

In emulsification processes, the estimation of the droplet size distribution is important data not only because it is linked with the manufacturing process, but also because it is an important parameter affecting the emulsion stability. The aim of this research is to use the ultraviolet-visible transmission spectrum as a tool for emulsion characterization (droplet size and stability) to be a function of monomer concentration, and to verify of emulsion stability using the volume of separated phase's technique. Both techniques are applied to monomer emulsions as a function of emulsifier concentration. Results show correlations between droplet size measurements and stability of emulsions using the spectroscopy technique; results were also found to be in agreement using the cleared volume method.

Keywords:

• Droplet size
• emulsion
• emulsion polymerization
• multiwavelength spectroscopy
• stability

Acknowledgments

The authors thank to the Venezuelan National Research Fund (FONACIT-Grant No. F-2005000175, and to the University of the Andes Research Council (CDCHT-Grant No. I-1040-07-08B) for sponsoring the research program at the POLYCOL (Polymers and Colloids) laboratory.