CONTINUOUS PHASES IN EMULSIONS OF 3 LIQUIDS

For three-phase (macro)emulsions formed by the top (T), middle (M), an d bottom (B) phases of amphiphile/oil/water systems, it has been vario usly stated in the literature either (1) that the continuous phase is always M or (2) that the continuous phase is B below the phase inversi on temperature (PIT) and T above the PIT. We show by means of isotherm al electrical conductivity measurements at various temperatures on emu lsions of known phase volume fractions that neither hypothesis is gene rally correct. For our experimental conditions the ''choice'' of conti nuous phase depends on the phase volume fractions, and at all temperat ures-by appropriate choice of phase volume fractions-any of T, M, or B may be made the continuous phase.