Emulsification through area contraction

Emulsification requiring very little input energy can be induced at an oil- water interface that is initially in a state of equilibrium. The process in volves destabilization, through contraction, of local interfacial regions. For emulsification to occur, it is necessary for the interfacial structure to have no resistance to surface shearing, Such a mechanism of emulsificati on may have important implications for the approach to solving emulsion pro blems in the petroleum industry. (C) 1999 Academic Press.