Abstract
Emulsifying properties of fine particles have been recognized over a century : colloidal particles with a suitable wettability can be strongly adsorbed at the oil-water interfaces, and can work as effective stabilizers for emulsions (Pickering emulsions). After a dormant period of nearly half a century, there is a revival of interests in studying their behaviour. Organic polymer particles have mainly been used in the form of film in paint and adhesive industrial sections. In addition to usage in the form of the film, there have been increasing interests in using the polymer particles in their particulate form. Recently, the polymer particles have found their application as emulsion stabilizers. This article presents an overview of current research activities that center on Pickering-type emulsions stabilized with well-defined smart polymer particles. It is organized into four parts : i) brief discussions of small particles adsorbed at oil-water interfaces; ii) demonstrations of Pickering-type emulsion stabilized with polymer particles; iii) demonstrations of soft material fabricated from Pickering-type emulsions; and iv) brief introductions of characterization methods of emulsions stabilized with polymer particles.
