Simple, rapid method for comparing the self-emulsifiability of hydrocarbon oils

A simple and rapid method for comparing the degree of self-emulsifiability of different hydrocarbon oils is described. The method involved measurement of the intensity of light scattered at an angle of 31 degrees to the incident radiation by the sample. The extent or degree of self-emulsification of selected hydrocarbon oils was observed to be affected by the nature of the oil as well as by the type and concentration of the surfactants employed. The method is useful when screening surfactant-hydrocarbon oil combinations as potential vehicles for drugs in the pharmaceutical industry or herbicides and pesticides for agricultural purposes.