6. Conclusion

The ease with which an emulsion can be produced masks the complexity of the phenomena involved. This complexity might lead one to think that it is easier to work by trial and error when developing an emulsified product. In fact, even at the level of the applied research or development laboratory, a minimum knowledge of the main mechanisms determining droplet size and long-term emulsion stability is of undeniable value. Since the first publications by Pickering and Bancroft at the beginning of the 20th century, our knowledge has progressed considerably. The kinship between micellar solubilization (microemulsions), emulsions and foams enables us to pool our efforts. There is still a lot to learn at academic level (coalescence mechanisms, for example), but also at industrial level, where it would be so useful to be able to predict in advance and with certainty any instabilities that may appear...