Deaggregation of acacia emulsions

Summary Emulsions aggregated by the hydrocolloid potassium arabate through interparticular bridging, are deaggregated by shear and added surface active agent but are unaffected by simple electrolyte. The minimum shear rate for almost complete deaggregation is in the region of 550 sec⁻¹ and the process is irreversible. In terms of critical micelle concentrations (c.m.c), potassium laurate (anionic) is more effective than hexadecyl-trimethylammonium bromide (cationic) which in turn is very much more effective than Tween 20 (non-ionic). The rate of deaggregation by surface active agent is rapid.