Fast emulsion droplet sizing using NMR self-diffusion measurements

Emulsion droplet sizing using pulsed field gradient (PFG) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a well-established technique. Traditionally these measurements require total acquisition times of typically 5-20 min per sample, which severely limits our ability to use this method to study dynamic processes. Here we present the application and verification of an NMR pulse sequence, Difftrain, which enables emulsion droplet size distributions to be measured in 3-10 s. We have previously introduced applications of Difftrain (C. Buckley, K.G. Hollingsworth, A.J. Sederman, D.J. Holland, M.L. Johns, L.F. Gladden, J. Magn. Reson. 161 (2003) 112-117), including the droplet sizing of a single unimodal emulsion sample. In this paper, several model emulsions containing different oils are measured and the results compared directly with sizing provided by laser scattering. In this manner, the Difftrain method is verified and its possibilities and limitations are explored. Guidelines are proposed for the range of droplet sizes for which accurate results can be produced. The Difftrain technique opens up the possibility of studying non-equilibrium emulsions; a study of the in situ emulsification of a 21% v/v water-in-silicone oil emulsion is presented.