Emulsion stability consulting for failure diagnosis and long-term formulation stabilization
Expert consulting service that applies a complete understanding of emulsion failure mechanisms—including two newly discovered mechanisms—to diagnose why emulsions destabilize and to develop formulations that remain stable for years. Demonstrated by an asphalt-in-water emulsion that has remained stable for more than 20 years in laboratory storage. Mature measurement techniques predict long-term stability from short-term property measurements, enabling rapid formulation development and validation.
Overview
This consulting service helps organizations whose emulsions fail prematurely. Emulsions—dispersions of one liquid in another—commonly break down through four known failure mechanisms, yet many products still destabilize during storage. This service applies a deeper understanding of emulsion science, including three previously undiscovered failure mechanisms, to diagnose why a specific emulsion fails and to develop formulations with dramatically improved stability.
The approach has been proven with an asphalt-in-water emulsion developed under a government research contract: the laboratory-retained sample has remained stable for more than 20 years.
Technical specifications
The service is delivered as a structured, project-based engagement:
- Complete failure-mechanism analysis: applies knowledge of all four emulsion failure mechanisms plus the three newly discovered mechanisms to identify root causes of instability.
- Accelerated stability prediction: mature measurement technology predicts long-term stability from short-term property measurements, avoiding years of storage testing.
- Compatibility assessment: the client provides a list of raw-material and food-additive types or classes; these are assessed for compatibility, with additional materials researched as suggested or desired.
- Formulation development: simplified formulations are designed to isolate and assess individual stability factors, and their properties are measured.
- Design guidelines: formulation–property boundaries developed from these studies are mapped into client-acceptable product formulations.
The engagement is confidential and can be supported by non-disclosure agreements, and a project team can be formed as needed.
Technology readiness level: typically TRL-6
The underlying science is validated: the asphalt-in-water emulsion developed during the government contract remains stable after more than 20 years of laboratory retention, demonstrating exceptional long-term stability far beyond typical product requirements. The consulting methodology applies this validated science to client-specific emulsion systems, with stability confirmed through short-term measurements that predict long-term performance.
About steve smith, consulting scientist
Steve Smith operates as a Consulting Scientist, providing expert research, development, and consultation in the physical sciences. With a background in physics and chemistry, he offers specialized expertise in solving complex technical problems that fall outside a client's core area of knowledge. His capabilities span diverse fields, including electronics, materials science, and chemical product development. He is also the President and Chief Scientist of Smith & Co., a manufacturing business he established in 1972. This company develops and produces its own specialty epoxies, polyurethanes, adhesives, and coatings used internationally in the marine, construction, and property restoration sectors. Smith's approach involves breaking down problems to uncover root causes and false data, drawing on his extensive experience in research, product design, and patent-holding innovation.
These services are critical for inventors, engineers, and businesses facing persistent technical failures or unique R&D challenges. Customers rely on his expertise for tasks ranging from enhancing system reliability and developing specialty materials to solving product failures in wood, paint, and chemical interfaces. His work is supported by decades of industrial experience, including contributions to aerospace electronics, radar transmitter design, and government-industry research initiatives like the CALCE Tin Whisker Group. By offering a confidential, project-based engagement model—often supported by formal non-disclosure agreements—he provides high-level scientific guidance and problem-solving capacity to clients requiring specialized, interdisciplinary knowledge.
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