Stabilization of emulsions by heterocoagulation of clay minerals and layered double hydroxides

Abstract

 Paraffin/water emulsions were stabilized by colloidal particles without surface active agents. Mixtures of two types of particles with opposite signs of charge were used: a layered double hydroxide (the hydroxide layers carry positive charges) and the clay mineral montmorillonite (the silicate layers carry negative charges). The emulsions were very stable and did not separate a coherent oil phase. The stability of the emulsion (no oil coalescence after centrifugation) was independent of the mixing ratio of both the compounds when the total solid content was >0.5%. Solid contents up to 2.0% were optimal. In contrast to stability, flow behavior of the emulsion was dependent on the mass fraction χ of the hydroxide. The maxima of viscosity and yield value were observed at χ≈0.2–0.3; the emulsion showed pronounced antithixotropic behavior. Weak thixotropic properties, smaller viscosities and yield values were observed at χ≤0.2 and ≥0.5. In the absence of the clay mineral, the double hydroxide particles stabilize by forming envelopes around the oil droplets. Addition of bentonites creates a three-dimensional network of particles with high elasticity which impedes coalescence of the oil droplets.