HYDRATION THEORY OF EMULSION

The hydration theory is one of the theories that explain the stability of emulsions. According to this
theory, the stability of an emulsion is due to the formation of a hydration layer around the dispersed
droplets. The hydration layer is a thin film of water that forms around the droplets and protects them
from coalescence.

When an emulsion is prepared, the dispersed droplets are surrounded by a thin layer of the continuous
phase. This layer is usually composed of water molecules in the case of oil-in-water emulsions. The
water molecules in the layer interact with the surface of the droplets, forming a hydration layer that
stabilizes the emulsion. The thickness of the hydration layer depends on several factors, including the
nature of the emulsifier, the concentration of the emulsifier, and the properties of the droplets and the
continuous phase.

The hydration layer provides several benefits to the emulsion. Firstly, the hydration layer prevents the
droplets from coming into direct contact with each other, reducing the chances of coalescence.
Secondly, the hydration layer provides a barrier against external stresses such as shear and
temperature changes, which can cause the emulsion to destabilize. Finally, the hydration layer can
enhance the stability of the emulsion by increasing the electrostatic repulsion between the droplets.

ORIENTATION WEDGE THEORY

The orientation wedge theory is one of the theories that explain the stability of emulsions. This theory
was proposed by F.A. Morrison in 1951 and states that the stability of an emulsion is due to the
orientation of the surfactant molecules at the oil-water interface.

According to the orientation wedge theory, the surfactant molecules adsorb at the oil-water interface
in such a way that the hydrophobic (water-hating) part of the molecule is in contact with the oil
droplet, while the hydrophilic (water-loving) part of the molecule is in contact with the water. This
arrangement of the surfactant molecules creates a wedge-shaped layer at the interface that stabilizes
the emulsion.

The wedge-shaped layer is formed due to the packing of the surfactant molecules at the interface. The
hydrophobic tails of the surfactant molecules tend to aggregate together, forming a continuous layer
around the oil droplets. The hydrophilic heads of the surfactant molecules are then oriented towards
the water, forming a discontinuous layer at the interface. This arrangement of the surfactant molecules
creates a wedge-shaped layer that prevents the oil droplets from coalescing.

The stability of the emulsion is further enhanced by the electrostatic repulsion between the droplets.
The surfactant molecules can carry a charge, which creates a repulsive force between the droplets.
This electrostatic repulsion prevents the droplets from coming into close contact with each other,
reducing the chances of coalescence.
ABSORBED FILM AND INTERFACIAL TENSION THEORY
The absorbed film theory and interfacial tension theory are two related theories that explain the
stability of emulsions.

The absorbed film theory, proposed by Irving Langmuir in 1916, states that the stability of an
emulsion is due to the formation of a monomolecular layer of surfactant molecules at the oil-water
interface. According to this theory, the surfactant molecules adsorb at the interface and form a thin,
continuous layer that reduces the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases. This reduction
in interfacial tension prevents the oil droplets from coalescing and stabilizes the emulsion.
The interfacial tension theory, proposed by W.R. Morrison in 1927, builds upon the absorbed film
theory and states that the stability of an emulsion is directly related to the interfacial tension between
the oil and water phases. According to this theory, the interfacial tension is the force that tends to pull
the oil droplets together, causing them to coalesce. The surfactant molecules adsorb at the interface
and reduce the interfacial tension, which counteracts the coalescence force and stabilizes the
emulsion.

The absorbed film theory and interfacial tension theory are closely related because the formation of a
monomolecular layer of surfactant molecules at the interface reduces the interfacial tension. This
reduction in interfacial tension is essential for the stability of the emulsion. The adsorption of
surfactant molecules at the interface also creates a repulsive force between the droplets, which further
enhances the stability of the emulsion.

THEORIES OF SUSPENSIONS
Steric stabilization theory: According to this theory, the stability of a suspension is due to the
adsorption of large molecules at the surface of the suspended particles. These large molecules, known
as steric stabilizers, form a protective layer around the particles and prevent them from coming into
close contact with each other. The repulsion between the particles due to the steric stabilization
prevents the suspension from settling.

Electrostatic stabilization theory: This theory states that the stability of a suspension is due to the
electrical charges on the particles. When the particles carry a net charge, they repel each other,
preventing the suspension from settling. This electrical repulsion is the basis of electrostatic
stabilization.

Brownian motion theory: This theory explains the stability of suspensions based on the random
motion of the suspended particles due to collisions with the solvent molecules. The Brownian motion
of the particles prevents them from settling due to the constant agitation.

DLVO theory: This theory combines the effects of electrostatic and van der Waals forces on the
stability of suspensions. According to this theory, the stability of a suspension depends on the balance
between the attractive van der Waals forces and the repulsive electrostatic forces between the
particles. The DLVO theory is a mathematical model that predicts the stability of suspensions based
on the particle size, electrical charge, and ionic strength of the medium.