This study presents a novel emulsifying method by which ultrafine emulsions of particle size less than 100 nm can be easily prepared using polyoxyethylene(POE)/polyoxypropylene(POP) random co-polymer dimethylether [EPDME].
The effect of EPDME on self-organizing structures of pentaethyleneglycol dodecylether (C
12E
5) was investigated. The results indicated that [1] a special micelle containing oil might be formed when the cohesive force of the hydrophobic groups of C
12E
5 increased by solubilizing liquid paraffin, [2] EPDME distributed to the hydrophilic chain of C
12E
5, and [3] the curvature of the interfacial film became positive.
The equilibrium phase state of the water-oil-surfactant-EPDME was examined so as to clarify the mechanism in the preparation of ultrafine emulsions and the results indicated the following : [1] a special microemulsion phase is formed in a region different from that of the normal microemulsion phase when oil, EPDME, surfactant and water are mixed in the proper proportions and [2] ultrafine emulsions form in a two-phase region (O+Wm) when the microemulsion phase is diluted with water.
EPDME may be considered a hydrophilic co-surfactant and a special microemulsion phase is formed at high EPDME and polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactant. EPDME may possibly be distributed in the polyoxyethylene chain of the polyoxyethylene surfactant. When diluting this microemulsion phase, EPDME rapidly decreases in concentration and, may diffuse in the bulk water phase from polyoxyethylene chains in surfactants. Thus, an ultrafine emulsion consisting only of nonionic surfactant and oil forms.
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