Route to stable non-spherical emulsion droplets

A route to the production of stable non-spherical emulsion droplets has been developed by pushing millimeter-sized liquid droplets stabilized by an excess amount of solid Pickering particles through a narrow capillary. This excess amount allows for the full coverage of the newly created droplets' interface during deformation. Upon exiting the capillary the adhered particles wedge, or "jam", on the surface preserving the non-spherical shape. Stable millimeter-sized non-spherical liquid droplets with aspect ratios exceeding 10 and cross-sections in line with capillary dimensions are easily obtained. Post-modification can be performed in conventional reactors. The ability to fabricate non-spherical droplets creates exciting opportunities in areas such as self-healing polymer composites. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved