According to the provided reference, the ratio of the internal water phase to the oil phase within the primary water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion used for preparing W/O/W emulsions is 20:80.
Understanding Emulsions
An emulsion is a mixture of two or more liquids that are normally immiscible (unmixable or unblendable) owing to liquid-liquid phase separation. Water and oil are common examples of immiscible liquids that can form emulsions. Emulsions are classified based on which liquid phase is dispersed (internal phase) and which is continuous (external phase).
- Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsion: Oil droplets are dispersed in a continuous water phase (e.g., milk).
- Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsion: Water droplets are dispersed in a continuous oil phase (e.g., butter).
- Multiple Emulsion: More complex structures, such as Water-in-Oil-in-Water (W/O/W) or Oil-in-Water-in-Oil (O/W/O).
The Ratio in the Reference
The reference specifically discusses optimizing the preparation of W/O/W emulsions. In this type of emulsion, there is an inner water phase dispersed within an oil phase (forming a primary W/O emulsion droplet), and these W/O droplets are then dispersed in an outer water phase.
The reference states the ratio for the internal W/O part:
...the ratio of the oil phase to the internal water phase is 80 : 20...
This means:
Oil Phase : Internal Water Phase = 80 : 20
Since the question asks for the ratio of water to oil, we reverse this ratio:
Internal Water Phase : Oil Phase = 20 : 80
Therefore, within the specific context described in the reference for preparing W/O/W emulsions, the ratio of the internal water phase to the oil phase is 20:80.
Ratio Breakdown
| Phase | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Internal Water | 20 parts |
| Oil | 80 parts |
| Ratio (Water:Oil) | 20:80 |
It's important to note that this specific ratio is given in the context of preparing a particular type of multiple emulsion (W/O/W) under optimal conditions mentioned in the reference. The ratio of water to oil in W/O emulsions generally can vary widely depending on the intended application, stability requirements, and the types and concentrations of emulsifiers used.
