Effects of Clay Mineral for Emulsified Technology: Possibility for Raw Material of Pickering Emulsification

Abstract

Among clay minerals, smectite, having water-swelling property, is highly valued for its properties and is used as a cosmetic ingredient in various applications. Among those, it is often used as a quality-maintaining agent to improve the dispersion stability of emulsions. Currently, surfactants are generally used for emulsification; however, in some cases, surfactant-free emulsification can be achieved by using the amphipathic effect of smectite as an emulsifier. Therefore, an expected application of water-swelling smectite is as an ingredient for Pickering emulsification. This paper describes the basic properties of smectite, its function as an emulsion stabilizer, and its potential as an ingredient for Pickering emulsification, and introduces a new technology for emulsified dry powder.