Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry, University of Bari ‘‘Aldo Moro”, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
2. Bari Unit, Center of Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
Abstract
This study provides valuable insights into biosurfactant systems, shedding light on their behavior and potential applications in cleaning and oil recovery processes. By combining the alkyl polyglycoside Triton® CG-110 with C12OH fatty alcohol, a promising strategy emerges, enhancing the efficiency of surfactant-based formulations. This innovative approach paves the way for sustainable solutions in diverse industrial applications. A rheological analysis of the formulations containing C12OH demonstrated a Newtonian-like behavior of up to 3.2 v/v% of Triton, while a viscoelastic response was observed in a system containing 6.4 v/v% of Triton. Self-diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance revealed the formation of larger aggregates with C12OH, diverging from the classical spherical micellar solution. Moreover, cleaning efficiency tests highlighted C12OH’s significant enhancement of the surfactant system’s oil-uptake capacity. This study identified the optimum formulation point, corresponding to the Winsor III microemulsion phase, in samples containing C12OH. This pivotal discovery showcases the potential of tailored surfactant blends, indicating a path toward greener and more effective industrial practices.
Funder
Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the program Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale
Subject
Colloid and Surface Chemistry,Chemistry (miscellaneous)