Rheology of Colloid Laden Interfaces: Influence of Interparticle Interactions

TitleRheology of Colloid Laden Interfaces: Influence of Interparticle Interactions
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1994
AuthorsSharma, M. M., and D. E. Tambe
Conference Name1st International Particle Technology Forum
Date Published08/1994
PublisherAmerican Institute of Chemical Engineers
Conference LocationDenver, Colorado, U.S.A., August 17-19, 1994
Other Numbers76e, B003TQGA10
Abstract

Finely divided insoluble solid particles stabilize emulsions primarily by providing steric hindrance to the coalescence of emulsion droplets. The effectiveness of these particles in stabilizing emulsions depends largely on the formation of a stable viscoelastic monolayer of solid particles at the oil-water interface that can inhibit the coalescence of emulsion droplets. Here we present a model to describe the rheological properties of fluid-fluid interfaces containing colloidal particles. It is shown that at sufficiently high concentrations of particles, colloid-laden oil-water interfaces exhibit viscoelastic behavior. Such viscoelastic interfaces enhance emulsion stability by decreasing the rate of film thinning between coalescing emulsion droplets.