MODELS FOR THE DIELECTRIC-PROPERTIES OF FLOCCULATED W O-EMULSIONS/

Theories on the dielectric properties of heterogeneous mixtures are co mmonly applied to predict or explain the dielectric properties of emul sions. However, the theories require ideal systems with a homogeneous distribution of the dispersed particles, In emulsions this requirement is rarely fulfilled since flocculation and sedimentation continuously will lead to an uneven distribution of the droplets throughout the vo lume of the system, In this work we suggest different models for predi ction of the dielectric properties for flocculated emulsions, These mo dels are based on the traditional theories, but the structure and volu me of flocculated aggregates are also taken into account. Numerical ca lculations on these models give higher static permittivities than what would be predicted from a model presupposing only unflocculated dropl ets, Earlier it has been shown experimentally that flocculation leads to an increase in the permittivity levels. (C) 1996 Academic Press, In c.