5. Glossary

Emulsifier; Emulsify

A molecule with a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part that adsorbs at the water-oil interface and lowers the interfacial tension. Synonyms are "surfactant," "surface-active agent," and "detergent."

Coalescence; Coalescence

A phenomenon whereby several droplets merge into a single droplet when they come into contact with each other.

Log P:

Decimal logarithm of the partition coefficient between an organic phase of n-octanol and an aqueous phase. The partition coefficient P is the ratio of concentrations in the organic and aqueous phases. It is used as a descriptor of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of a compound, even when the oil phase is not composed of n-octanol. A large log P indicates a highly hydrophobic molecule.

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