T. Moaddel et Se. Friberg, PHASE-EQUILIBRIA AND EVAPORATION RATES IN A 4-COMPONENT EMULSION, Journal of dispersion science and technology, 16(1), 1995, pp. 69-97
The cosmetic system of water, lecithin, polyethylene glycol (M.W. 5000
), and white oil was studied and the phase diagram determined using vi
sual observation, low angle x-ray diffraction and chemical analysis. T
he results showed the lecithim / water lamellar liquid crystal to be r
etained when the polyethylene glycol was gradually replaced by white o
il. The polyethylene glycol was solubilized in the lamellar liquid cry
stal to a maximum level of 10%, the white oil to 8%. The evaporation r
ate, from a thin layer, was followed gravimetrically. The existing str
uctures as the evaporation proceeded were identified optically. Evapor
ation of water from the three phase emulsion lead to crystallization o
f the polymer in the previously existing water droplets, leading to a
four phase system of polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol/water, L
LC, and white oil.A dramatic decrease in the loss rate of water was ob
served when all four components co-exist in equilibrium.