On the formation of concentrated stable w/o emulsions.

The conditions for the formation of concentrated w/o emulsions based on Aerosol OT and aliphatic hydrocarbons were studied. It was found that high stability is obtained if the attraction between the emulsion droplets is kept to a minimum. This is achieved by matching the refractive index of the dispersed phase and the organic phase. Furthermore, it is shown that the mere presence of salt does not render any stability. Hence, the speculated mechanism that salt stabilises against Ostwald ripening does not hold for these emulsions.