Phase inversion

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-008744",
  "term": "Phase inversion",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The phenomenon in a liquid-liquid extraction system where the dispersed phase and the continuous phase spontaneously interchange their roles. This transition occurs when the volume fraction of the dispersed phase exceeds a certain critical value, which is influenced by factors like agitation speed, interfacial tension, and the viscosities of the two liquids. For many oil-water emulsions, this inversion point occurs when the dispersed phase volume fraction reaches approximately 0.5 to 0.7.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "continuity inversion",
    "density inversion"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1993, 65, 2373. 'Nomenclature for liquid-liquid distribution (solvent extraction) (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)' on page 2387 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199365112373)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/phase-inversion/"
}