Effect of process parameters on nanoemulsion droplet size and distribution in SPG membrane emulsification (original) (raw)

A Shirasu-porous-glass (SPG) membrane with a mean pore size of 2.5 μm was used to produce an oil/water (O/W) nanoemulsion of flurbiprofen consisting of methylene chloride as the dispersed phase, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the stabilizer and a mixture of Tween 20 and Tween 80 in demineralized water as the continuous phase. Emulsion droplets with a mean droplet size of 25 times smaller than the mean pore size and a narrow droplet size distribution were produced using 5% emulsifier at a feed pressure of 15 kPa. Under these conditions the z-average diameter and size distribution of the emulsion droplets formed were influenced by the type of surfactant, agitator speed (150-1200 rpm), feed pressure (15-80 kPa), stabilizer concentration (0-4, w/v) and the temperature of the continuous phase. Increasing the agitator speed and stabilizer concentration increased the z-average diameter and decreased the size uniformity. There was a linear relationship between the increased feed pressure and th...