Effect of electric field on coalescence of an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by surfactant: a molecular dynamics study

. The point when interaction energy between the hexadecane molecules of the two droplets begins to decrease from zero is consistent with the time when the two oil droplets came in contact. The coalescence process can be completed if the two droplets have begun to coalesce, even after the electric field was removed. Otherwise, the coalescence process cannot be completed. To enhance the efficiency of the electrocoalescence of O/W emulsions, strength, frequency and duty ratio of the electric field have to be optimized according to the properties of the emulsion. This research will help us to figure out how electric fields promote the efficiency of electrocoalescence of O/W emulsions with surfactant.