Effect of Rheological Properties on the Coagulation of Emulsion Droplets under Isoelectric Conditions

The role of visco-elastic characteristics of the protein film in the coagulation of petroleum-water emul­sions, established by bovine serum albumin, has been investigated. On addition of certain surfactants to the protein-covered hydrocarbon droplets at the isoelectric point, the rate of coagulation increases. This variation, which is a function of the rheology of the protein film, has been studied quantitatively.