Development of Pickering emulsion from polycationic montmorillonite nanoclay

Abstract

In the global effort to reduce environmental impacts and transition toward sustainable practices, Pickering emulsions have emerged as a promising alternative due to their independence from conventional chemical surfactants, which are often petroleum-based and environmentally harmful. This study investigates the stability and rheological properties of emulsions stabilized with bentonite nanoparticles. Two formulations were prepared, containing 20 % and 25 % clay, both supplemented with NaCl. The emulsions were evaluated for their stability and rheological behavior. The results revealed that an increased clay concentration improved stability, likely due to the formation of a robust mechanical barrier at the oil-water interface. Rheologically, both formulations exhibited Bingham plastic behavior, with the emulsion containing 25 % clay demonstrating a higher apparent viscosity. These findings offer insights into the stabilizing mechanisms of Pickering emulsions stabilized by clay nanoparticles, with potential applications in industrial settings, particularly in water-based drilling fluids.