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Size limit for particle-stabilized emulsion droplets under gravity.

J W Tavacoli¹, G Katgert, E G Kim

¹School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, United Kingdom.

Physical Review Letters

|September 26, 2012

Summary

Emulsion droplets stabilized by particles become unstable when they exceed a size threshold due to gravity. Particle ejection occurs until remaining particles are lighter than the binding force of a single particle, forming a stable shape.

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Area of Science:

Colloid and Interface Science
Fluid Dynamics
Materials Science

Background:

Emulsion droplets are crucial in various industries.
Particle stabilization of emulsions is a common technique.
Understanding droplet stability limits is essential for process control.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the critical size limit for particle-stabilized emulsion droplet stability.
To identify the mechanisms driving droplet instability and particle ejection.
To determine the conditions for achieving stable configurations.

Main Methods:

Experimental observation of emulsion droplets stabilized by colloidal and supracolloidal particles.
Direct visualization of particle ejection events at the droplet interface.
Analysis of forces, including gravity and interfacial binding forces.
Investigation of the role of droplet surface curvature.

Main Results:

Droplet instability is observed beyond a gravity-defined size threshold.
Particle ejection from the droplet base occurs, with decreasing numbers of particles involved over time.
A stable 'acorn-like' configuration is reached when particle weight is less than the binding force of a single particle.
Droplet surface curvature significantly promotes particle ejection.

Conclusions:

Gravity is a key factor in the instability of particle-stabilized emulsion droplets.
The ejection process leads to a stable state governed by interfacial forces.
Surface curvature plays a critical role in initiating particle expulsion.