W/O high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) stabilized by a piperazinyl based emulsifier

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Background:

• High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are crucial in various applications.
• Developing efficient and recoverable emulsifiers for W/O HIPEs remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel piperazinyl-based emulsifier (EA/AMPA) for preparing W/O HIPEs.
• To assess the efficiency, stability, and recoverability of the synthesized emulsifier.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a piperazinyl-based emulsifier (EA/AMPA).
• Preparation of water-in-oil (W/O) high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) using kerosene and crude oil as the oil phase.
• Evaluation of HIPE stability, internal phase fraction, and emulsifier recoverability.

Main Results:

• Stable W/O HIPEs with up to 98% internal phase fraction were prepared using EA/AMPA.
• High efficiency was demonstrated, with 0.1% EA/AMPA yielding HIPEs of 90% internal phase fraction.
• The emulsifier was easily recovered by adjusting pH to acidic values and showed stability with crude oil.

Conclusions:

• EA/AMPA is a highly efficient and recoverable emulsifier for W/O HIPEs.
• The emulsifier's unique structure, featuring a hydrophilic head with two tertiary amines, promotes stable HIPE formation.
• This study provides a reference for designing new W/O emulsifiers based on similar structural motifs.