High-oil-content oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared by varying the oil fraction and the type of surfactant, and their rheological, textural, and structural characteristics were systematically investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (C...
High-oil-content oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared by varying the oil fraction and the type of surfactant, and their rheological, textural, and structural characteristics were systematically investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that emulsions containing 70% oil formulated with sucrose ester surfactants exhibited a densely packed microstructure in which oil droplets were compressed into polyhedral shapes within a continuous aqueous network. This structural arrangement is characteristic of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) and was associated with elevated rheological parameters, including yield stress and viscosity.
When shear stress was applied to these structured emulsions, the aqueous network collapsed, inducing a rapid phase inversion. During this process, the dispersed oil phase transitioned into the continuous phase, resulting in a pronounced decrease in viscosity. Concurrently, exposure of the oil phase at the surface led to a noticeable increase in surface gloss. The rheological behavior of the high–oil-content O/W emulsions was analyzed using the Herschel–Bulkley model, and the resulting rheological parameters were compared across different formulations.
Sucrose ester–based emulsions exhibited higher yield stress, viscosity, hardness, and adhesiveness, indicating a more robust internal structure. In contrast, emulsions stabilized with sorbitan-based surfactants displayed a softer, creamier texture, demonstrating clear differentiation in sensory attributes. Furthermore, sucrose ester–based HIPEs showed enhanced ultraviolet (UV) protection and cleansing efficacy during the phase inversion process, as the oil phase became the continuous phase. These findings demonstrate that structural transitions in HIPE systems influence not only physicochemical properties but also functional performance, highlighting the potential of surfactant selection as a key factor in designing high–oil-content emulsion formulations.