3. Emulsifying Agents (Oil in water)
When water and oil are mixed together and vigorously
shaken, a dispersion of oil droplets in water - and vice versa - is formed.
When shaking stops, the phases start to separate.
However, when an emulsifier is added to the system,
the droplets remain dispersed, and a stable emulsion is obtained.
An emulsifier consists of a water-loving hydrophilic
head and an oil-loving hydrophobic tail. The hydrophilic head is directed to
the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic tail to the oil phase.