SEDL / STP / STP1183-EB / STP25131S

Effect of Surfactant Type and Order of Addition on Droplet Size and Dynamic Interfacial Properties

Berger, PD
Director Surfactant Research & Development, Witco Corporation, Houston, TX

Berger, CH
Research Chemist, Witco Corporation, Houston, TX

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

A model system containing a nonionic surfactant (nonylphenol + 9.5EO) and an anionic surfactant (Sodium C14-16 alpha-olefin Sulfonate) was used to study the effect of surfactants on droplet size and dynamic interfacial tension. BLANDOL™ (white mineral oil) was selected as the oil phase and the dynamic interfacial tension of the two surfactants at various concentrations, temperatures and in the presence of electrolyte was measured. The effect of using the surfactants separately and together was also measured. In addition, the effect of adding the surfactant to the oil phase and the water phase to the oil phase was determined.

The implications of the results are discussed with respect to emulsion stability, demulsification, spray drying, spray drift control, wetting and spreading.