Learn How to Make a 10% Mineral Oil Emulsion Without Microfluidic Channels

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to prepare a mineral oil in water emulsion without using microfluidic channels. The suggestion is to add a surfactant or emulsifier, such as SDS, to create tiny oil droplets that are kinetically stable. Adding ingredients like egg yolk and mustard can also act as surfactants to help create the emulsion. The use of sonication is also mentioned as a possible method to thicken the emulsion. However, there may be certain oils that are difficult to emulsify, even with these methods.
  • #1
phytoplankton
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Without using microfluidic channels how to prepare a at least 10% (by volume)mineral oil (dispersed)in water emulsion?
 
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  • #2
phytoplankton said:
Without using microfluidic channels how to prepare a at least 10% (by volume)mineral oil (dispersed)in water emulsion?

Can you add a surfactant or emulsifier?
 
  • #3
Quantum Defect said:
Can you add a surfactant or emulsifier?

yeah, like SDS(sodium dodexyl sulfate) i prepared a recipe for the emulsion but it is less than 1%.
 
  • #4
phytoplankton said:
yeah, like SDS(sodium dodexyl sulfate) i prepared a recipe for the emulsion but it is less than 1%.

Have you tried sonicating?
 
  • #5
Quantum Defect said:
Have you tried sonicating?
no not yet. i am not sure how sonication work to thicken the emulsion.
 
  • #6
phytoplankton said:
no not yet. i am not sure how sonication work to thicken the emulsion.

Vigorously mixing some oils with water and emulsifier can get you a suspension of very tiny oil droplets that are kinetically stable. This is how you make mayonnaise (albeit without the sonicator).

one egg yolk, dash of lemon juice, dot of mustard ==> slowly add 1 c. olive oil while beating ==> voila! mayonnaise

The surfactants/emulsifiers are coming from the egg and mustard (lecithin)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lecithin
 
  • #7
Quantum Defect said:
one egg yolk, dash of lemon juice, dot of mustard ==> slowly add 1 c. olive oil while beating ==> voila! mayonnaise

While I agree in general (I made mayonnaise many time myself), sometimes it doesn't work. There was an oil sold here (actually some German brand) that I couldn't turn into emulsion no matter how hard I tried. No idea why.
 

FAQ: Learn How to Make a 10% Mineral Oil Emulsion Without Microfluidic Channels

What is an o/w emulsion?

An o/w emulsion is a type of emulsion where water is the continuous phase and oil is the dispersed phase. This means that the oil is broken down into small droplets and dispersed throughout the water.

Why is it important to make an o/w emulsion?

O/w emulsions are commonly used in a variety of products such as cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceuticals. They help to stabilize and evenly distribute ingredients, improve texture and appearance, and increase shelf life.

What are the key components needed to make an o/w emulsion?

The key components needed to make an o/w emulsion are an emulsifier, water, and oil. The emulsifier helps to keep the water and oil from separating by forming a stable interface between the two phases.

How do you make an o/w emulsion?

To make an o/w emulsion, you will need to mix the emulsifier with the oil phase, then add the water phase slowly while continuously mixing. This allows the emulsifier to evenly distribute and stabilize the oil droplets in the water. The emulsion can then be further processed or used as is.

What are some common challenges when making an o/w emulsion?

Some common challenges when making an o/w emulsion include achieving the desired droplet size, maintaining stability, and preventing phase separation. The type and amount of emulsifier, mixing method, and temperature can all affect the success of the emulsion. It may require some trial and error to find the optimal conditions for your specific emulsion.

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