Turbulence-induced formation of emulsion gels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Colloid Science

Background:

• Emulsion gels are versatile materials with broad applications.
• Existing methods for producing emulsion gels often lack tunability and versatility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile and versatile method for producing stable emulsion gels with tunable rheological properties.
• To establish gel formation criteria based on formulation and processing parameters.

Main Methods:

• Generating intense turbulence using low-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) or high-pressure homogenization.
• Investigating the effects of liquid pair ratios/types, colloidal particle (CP) properties, and turbulence conditions on gel formation.
• Analyzing emulsion microstructure and rheological properties.

Main Results:

• Established requisite gel formation criteria for stable emulsion gels.
• Proposed inter-droplet bridging and CP void-filling as universal stabilization mechanisms.
• Linked stabilization mechanisms to droplet-size scaling and sphere close-packing theory.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a versatile approach to producing stable emulsion gels with tunable properties.
• The findings provide a foundation for advancing emulsion gel production for diverse applications.
• The proposed stabilization mechanisms offer a novel perspective distinct from existing models.