Cationic surfactant-modified palygorskite particles as effective stabilizer for Pickering emulsion gel formation

Based on the synergistic interaction between palygorskite (PAL) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Pickering emulsion gel was successfully prepared in this study in a wide range of oil volume fraction (15–75%). All prepared emulsion gels remained stable for more than 6 months at room temperature. The microstructure, stability, and rheological properties of the prepared emulsion gels were characterized and evaluated. The influence of various environmental factors, including temperature, pH, salinity and types of oil phase on the formation of emulsion gels were investigated. A series of characterization methods were used to investigate the formation and stabilization mechanism of Pickering emulsion gel. The reduction of interfacial tension between oil and water, the changed surface characteristics of PAL, and the formation of a three-dimensional network structure in the continuous phase contributed to the stabilization of Pickering emulsion gel. This work presents a new strategy for the preparation of Pickering emulsion gel by using easily obtained clay particles.