article

Abstract

In this study the rheological behaviour of water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) multiple emulsions was investigated. Different emulsions varying in volumetric ratio of the components were prepared and characterised using dynamic rheological measurements. Information about the microstructure of the multiple emulsions was obtained by means of laser diffraction. The results indicated that the microstructure of the multiple emulsions plays an important role in its rheological behaviour. W1/O/W2 multiple emulsions are found to be more viscoelastic than simple W1/O emulsions of comparable volumetric composition. The elasticity is more pronounced at lower concentrations of the external water phase. The rheological response of the W1/O/W2 multiple emulsions also highly depends on the amount of internal phase (W1/O) that is used. An attempt was made to fit the results into the Krieger-Dougerthy or Palierne model, taking into account the contribution of the individual components.

progr.coll.polym.sci 115, 315-319, 2000

Rheological studies of water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions