Rosin coacervate microcapsules: effect of solvent on phase separation of rosin

The effect of various solvent-non-solvent pairs on phase separation of rosin was studied visually and microscopically. The type of phase separated was found to be a function of viscosity of the solution rather than the dielectric constant of the solvent. Triangular phase diagrams were constructed and optimum coacervation conditions were determined. Of all the solvents tested, only ethanol and acetone yielded a coacervate phase.