Question

What are emulsifiers and what are they used for?

Answer 1

Emulsifier:

• Emulsification, or the generation of emulsions from two immiscible liquid phases, is perhaps the most adaptable feature of surface-active agents for practical applications.
• An emulsifier is a chemical that helps to keep an emulsion together.
• Emulgent is another name for it.
• Emulsifiers include surfactants such as detergents.
• Surface-active agents are another name for surfactants.
• Emulsifiers are substances which encourage the suspension of one liquid into the other.
• They are also used as preservatives.

Example:

• Lecithin, Ester of monoglyceride, Soy lecithin, Mustard, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Diacetyl tartaric acid and Sodium phosphates are some examples of emulsifiers.

Uses of emulsifiers:

• Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal hygiene products are common uses.
• Vaccines are delivered using microemulsions, which destroy a variety of microorganisms.
• It's a chemical that's used to make other chemicals.
• It's a firefighting tool.