Properties of Interfacial Layers in Multicomponent Systems Containing Gelatin

The review is devoted to the analysis of the effect of the addition of various surfactants on the composition, structure, and the properties of the interfacial adsorption layers (IALs) formed at equilibrium in the aqueous gelatin solution–hydrocarbon system. Associates of variable compositions that are determined by the component ratio and the concentration of added surfactant are formed due to the interaction between gelatin and surfactant. The formation of associates is equivalent to the modification of gelatin. The properties of the IALs of modified gelatins are discussed on the basis of our own results and published data on the interfacial tension, the mass accumulation of surface-active components at the interfaces during the IAL formation, the IAL rheological properties and the stability of emulsion films varied with the conditions of IAL formation (the nature of low-molecular-weight surfactant, component concentrations, pH of aqueous phase, and temperature). It was concluded that modified gelatins can be considered as new surfactants governing the dynamics of the formation and fracture mechanism of the IALs and the stability of emulsion films. The properties of the IALs of modified gelatins are compared with those of IALs formed by gelatin and low-molecular-weight surfactants under the conditions when associates are formed directly at the interface due to the use of oil-soluble surfactants.