Nanoemulsions kinetic stability

The nanoemulsion mean droplet sizes were much smaller than those obtained in other systems using polar oil mixtures (above 500 nm) [18]. The findings verify that the low-energy emulsification methods are valid not only for aliphatic [9,10,13, 75, 76, 79-81] and semipolar oils [82-84], as reported in most studies devoted to low-energy emulsification, but also for polar solvent-preformed polymer mixtures. These nanoemulsions show good kinetic stability at 25 °C over a period of at least 24 h,... 

Nano-emulsions are defined as a class of emulsions with uniform and extremely small droplet size (typically in the range 20-500 nm). The formation of kinetically stable liquid/hquid dispersions of such small sizes is of great interest from fundamental and applied viewpoints. In this review, nanoemulsion formation, with special emphasis on low-energy emulsification methods, is first discussed. This is followed by a description of nano-emulsion properties, focusing on their kinetic stability. Finally, relevant industrial applications of nano-emulsions in the preparation of latex particles, in personal-care formulations, and as drug dehvery systems are reported. 

Unfortunately, the droplet size distribution of a nanoemulsion prepared by the PIT process is relatively large. Due to the high Laplace pressure, Ostwald ripening takes place rapidly, limiting the lifetime of the nanoemulsions to a few minutes to a few days. The addition of a water-insoluble component can significantly reduce the breakdown kinetics however, long-term stability is rarely achieved with this process. 

Nanoemulsions are only kinetically stable. They have to be distinguished from microemulsions (that cover the size range 5-50 nm) which are mostly transparent and thermodynamically stable. The long-term physical stability of nanoemulsions (with no apparent flocculation or coalescence) makes them unique and they are sometimes referred to as approaching thermodynamic stability . The inherently high colloid stability of nanoemulsions can be well understood from a consideration of their steric stabilization (when using nonionic surfactants and/or polymers) and how this is affected by the ratio of the adsorbed layer thickness to droplet radius as will be discussed below. 

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