6.3 Everyday Emulsions

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6.3 Everyday Emulsions

Oil and water do not mix and separate from each other, forming two layers. If we shake, stir, beat the liquids together tiny droplets form that can be slow to separate. This is called EMULSION.

·        Emulsions are opaque and thicker than oil and water they are made from, improves the texture, appearance and their ability to coat and stick solids.

o   Milk, cream, salad dressings, ice cream, water based paints and many cosmetic creams are  examples of emulsions.

Emulsifiers are substances that help stop the water and oil separating into layers. Most emulsions have emulsifiers to keep them stable.

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6.3 Everyday Emulsions

(http://bakingmoleculargastronomy.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/emulsifier.gif?w=396&h=187)

Emulsifier molecules have small hydrophillic part and a long hydrophobic part. Hydrophillic part 'head' is attracted to the water. Hydrophobic part ' tail' is attracted to the oil. Hydrophobic parts of many emulsifiers molecules go into each oil droplet, and so the droplets become surrounded by the hydrophillic parts. This keeps the droplets apart from the water, preventing them from joining together and seperating out.

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