Nanocomposite microgel particles and uses thereof

An emulsion selected from the group consisting of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, the emulsion comprising a nanocomposite microgel as a stimulus responsive particulate emulsifier, the nanocomposite microgel comprising particles;

• wherein the microgel particles comprise:
• an inorganic particulate component and a cross-linked responsive polymer matrix.

A method of manufacturing a stimulus responsive oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion comprising the step of using a nanocomposite microgel particulate emulsifier, the nanocomposite microgel comprising particles, the particles comprising:

• an inorganic particulate component;
• and a cross-linked responsive polymer matrix.

A stabilized emulsion comprising a nanocomposite microgel, wherein the microgel particles comprise an inorganic particulate component and a cross-linked responsive polymer matrix, and wherein the stability of the emulsion is dependent on at least one environmental condition.

A method of breaking an emulsion, having a nanocomposite microgel as a stimulus responsive particulate emulsifier, wherein the microgel particles comprise an inorganic particulate component and a cross-linked responsive polymer matrix, the method comprising the step of applying a stimulus to cause breaking of the emulsion or phase inversion of the emulsion.