Stability mechanism of W/O crude oil emulsion stabilized by polymer and surfactant

Polymer and surfactant can absorb at the oil–water interface and thus enhance the stability of emulsions. Turbiscan lab expert stabilizer, spinning drop interfacial tensionmeter and interfacial shear rheometer were employed to study the stability and stability mechanism of synthetic W/O crude oil emulsion stabilized by polymer and surfactant. Polymer concentration is the key factor to stabilize the synthetic W/O crude oil emulsion compared with surfactant. When added with polymer/surfactant, the emulsions become more stable and the particle size increase and particle migration process is seriously deferred. Surfactant can decrease oil–water interfacial tension while polymer can increase oil–water interfacial elasticity. Low interfacial tension is not the key factor to stabilize emulsions. Polymer contributes more to the stability of W/O crude oil emulsions stabilized by polymer and surfactant by forming rigid cross-link network at oil–water interface.