What is an emulsion ?

• Mixture of two non-miscible substances stabilised by surface active ingredients

• Particles (droplets) are stabilized and formed by surfactants

• O(il)/W(ater) emulsions replace solvent based products (environmental friendly)

Typical properties

• O/W or W/O emulsions:

• O/W emulsions (e.g. Sempure 60) can be diluted with water

• W/O emulsions cannot be diluted with water

• Viscosity:

• Depends on active content, surfactant type/concentration, thickener

• Sharp increase for o/w emulsions with >60% oil

• Often pre-diluted with water before use

Surfactant types

Types:

• Non-ionic (e.g. Alcohol ethoxylates)

• Anionic (e.g. Sodium Laurylethersulphate)

• Cationic (e.g. Alkyl Ammoniumchloride)

• Amphoteric (both anionic & cationic)

• Critical for emulsions stability

• Optimization of surfactant HLB based on emulsified substance (silicone oil, mineral oil, water (w/o emulsion))