Stabilization of particles (oil or wax) in an aqueous emulsion takes place through the following steps:

• Surfactant ‘wets out’ the wax particles in the aqueous phase
• Surfactant is effectively absorbed at solid/liquid interface
• Surfactant layer reduces energy required to separate particles
• This enables separation under the effect of mechanical shear
• Shear can be provided by milling or dispersing equipment.
• Once the particles are dispersed, the adsorbed surfactant prevents their re-agglomeration.
• Particle stability can be effected by:

1. a) electrostatic potential
2. b) steric effect, or
3. c) a combination of a) & b)