The transfer and penetration of fatty alcohols and fatty acids in relation to their self-bodying action in emulsions

The transfer of fatty alcohols and acids from an oil phase to an aqueous solution of surfactant has been examined. Also, penetration of the solid amphiphile by these surface-active agents has been observed by optical microscopy. The findings have been correlated with the flow behaviour of emulsions and gels containing these materials. The results indicate that before a fatty alcohol or acid, in conjunction with a surfactant, will have any self-bodying action in an emulsion two conditions must be fulfilled. Firstly, a portion of the alcohol or acid must migrate from the oil to the aqueous phase and secondly, the surfactant molecules must be of such size or shape or present in sufficient concentration to permit penetration of the amphiphile crystal lattice and the formation of a ternary liquid crystalline phase.