Effect of stirring energy upon the dynamic inversion hysteresis of emulsions

The effect of stirring energy upon the characteristics of dynamic emulsion inversion is discussed on an experimental formulation-composition map for e mulsions containing an anionic surfactant. It is shown that a vigorous agit ation promotes the early inversion of high internal phase ratio emulsions. The hysteresis zone narrows and moves to an intermediate position within th e ambivalent region that is attained for lower stirring speeds. A simple ex planation based on the catastrophic inversion model is proposed to interpre t these features. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.