The effect of some physicochemical factors on the stability of arachis oil emulsion formulated with Nigerian type gum arabic

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating effects of some physicochemical factors on stability of arachis oil emulsions formulated with gum arabic from Nigeria. Grade One Nigerian type gum arabic was processed from two States in northern Nigeria. Arachis oil emulsions were prepared using these gums as emulsifying agents. Another batch of emulsion formulated using imported gum arabic served for comparison. Globule size, number and effect of ageing were determined. Effect of pH, electrolyte, temperature, anti-oxidants, blending, and atmospheric conditions on the viscosity of the emulsion was determined. The physical appearance of the emulsions did not change after 6 months storage but there was decrease in viscosity. The globule size of emulsions containing the locally sourced gum was smaller (p<0.05) than that of the emulsion formulated with the imported gum after 24 h. After 6 months, the globule sizes of both emulsions did not differ markedly from each other (p>0.05) and a comparable rate of coalescence (p>0.05) between both emulsions was observed. The effect of pH, electrolyte, temperature, anti-oxidants, blending at high speed and atmospheric conditions on the viscosity of both batches was comparable. On the basis of these, the locally sourced gum arabic can be used to formulate arachis oil emulsions.