Release of electrolytes in multiple emulsions: coalescence and breakdown or diffusion through oil phase?

The release of electrolytes from multiple emulsions can be a result of the instability of the multiple droplets or diffusion through the oil-layer membrane. It was confirmed experimentally that, in the multiple system examined, the diffusion mechanism is the determining factor in the release pattern of the tested electrolytes. The release is affected by the hydrophobicity of the electrolyte and by its concentration, but not by the viscosity of the internal phase. Therefore, it was concluded that from a practical point of view it is not enough to obtain stable multiple emulsions; limiting and controlling the diffusion has also to be considered.