Hydrophobic bonding in soap-stabilized emulsions

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Abstract
The rheological properties of emulsions stabilized by potassium laurate have been measured at different temperatures and in the presence of urea to assess the validity of the concept of aggregation through hydrophobic interactions. The elasticity of the systems, as measured by a Rheogoniometer, increased with increased temperature and decreased with added urea. These results are entirely consistent with hydrophobic bonding. The mechanism of bonding is discussed in terms of interfacial hydrolysis, complex condensed films of acid soap, and polymolecular adsorption of surfactant at the oil-water interface.