What is the different between macroemulsions and microemulsions?
Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable systems, whereas macroemulsions are kinetically stable systems [2]. Also, microemulsions are translucent and of low viscosity, while macroemulsions are opaque and of relatively high viscosity.
What are microemulsions and its advantages?
Microemulsions have been proposed as drug delivery systems to enhance the absorption of drug across biological membranes (Majuru and Oyewumi, 2009). Some of microemulsions advantages include: (1) increased solubility and stability of drugs, and (2) ease and economical scale-up.
Why microemulsions are optically transparent?
A microemulsion is considered to be a thermodynamically or kinetically stable liquid dispersion of an oil phase and a water phase, in combination with a surfactant. Because the droplet size is less than 25% of the wavelength of visible light, microemulsions are transparent.
Why do microemulsions form spontaneously?
A microemulsion is an emulsion which forms spontaneously, without mechanical action, from a mixture of two liquid phases under certain conditions (surfactant concentration, salt content, temperature).
How is a nanoemulsion different from a microemulsion?
Both micro emulsions and nano emulsions can be in the sub 100nm size range. Quote: “The two systems are very different since nanoemulsions are formed by mechanical shear and microemulsion phases are formed by self-assembly. “ basically, microemulsions form spontaneously and are thermodynamically stable.
What kind of liquid is a microemulsion made of?
Microemulsions are clear, thermodynamically stable, isotropic liquid mixtures of oil, water and surfactant, frequently in combination with a cosurfactant.
What’s the difference between a microemulsion and a bicontinous?
Most of the microemulsions that are bicontinous contain comparable amounts of water and oil hexagonal liquid crystal structure- where one of the liquid lies inside interconnected tubules or conduits.
Are there any theories about the formation of microemulsion?
Various theories concerning microemulsion formation, stability and phase behavior have been proposed over the years.