Influence of hydrophobic groups in polyglycerol ester emulsifier at oil-polyol interface: Interfacial adsorption behavior and its relationship with emulsification effect

[Display omitted] •The influence of hydrophobic groups on the adsorption behavior at the interface was investigated.•The differences in adsorption behavior of emulsifiers under three scenarios were proposed.•The impact of the differences in adsorption behavior on the stability of the emulsion was elucidated. This study investigated the variance in adsorption behavior of polyglycerol emulsifiers at the oil- polyol interface and its consequential impact on emulsion properties and stability. The critical micelle concentration (CMCIFT), saturation adsorption capacity (Γ∞), and Langmuir constant (κ) of the emulsifier were determined through measurements of dynamic interfacial tension between glycerol and mineral oil with varying hydrophobic chains. Results indicated that the CMCIFT exhibits an increase corresponding to the rising number of hydrophobic chains. Emulsifiers with differing initial particle sizes were synthesized, and the actual emulsifying area (SA), theoretical covering area (ST), and emulsifying index (EI) at the interface were calculated. Variations in coverage rate led to disparate adsorption behavior and arrangement of the emulsifier at the interface, thereby impacting emulsion stability. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for predicting the stability trend of polyol/oil (P/O) emulsions.