Emulsion: A Definition
A stable dispersion of one liquid in a second immiscible liquid, such as
milk (oil dispersed in water).
Emulsification: A Definition
The process of dispersing one liquid in a second immiscible liquid; the
largest groups of emulsifying agents are soaps, detergents,
and other surface-active compounds (surfactants).
Emulsion Breaking: A Definition
In an emulsion, the combined sedimentation and coalescence of emulsified
drops of the dispersed phase so that they will settle out of the carrier
liquid; this can be accomplished mechanically (in settlers, cyclones, or
centrifuges) with or without the aid of chemical additives to increase
the surface tension of the droplets.
For books on emulsions, surfactants and their applications, click here.
For more information on surfactants, see the Surfactants
Virtual Library.