Emulsion stability versus molecular miscibility
= Emulsion stability versus molecular miscibility
A surfactant-stabilized dispersion can remain macroscopically uniform while its two liquids remain distinct phases. Lower <interfacial tension> reduces the <work> of making droplets, and repulsive interfacial films can slow <droplet coalescence>. Kinetic <emulsion> stability does not by itself establish <equilibrium> molecular miscibility or a thermodynamically stable <microemulsion>.