Synthesis of New Surfactants from Lauramidopropyl Betaine and Surface Activity Evaluation

Abstract

The ampholytic surfactant lauramidopropyl betaine (LAB) has excellent properties and very low irritation. It has good compatibility and can be used together with cationic, anionic and nonionic surfactants. In this paper, new surfactants were synthesized by using LAB as the main component and the molar ratios of LAB to formaldehyde were 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4, respectively. The new functional group hydroxymethyl was introduced into the LAB, and the effect of hydroxymethyl on the properties of raw materials was discussed. And the surface properties were studied, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration and foaming ability. Finally, it can be concluded that the introduction of methylol groups improves the performance of the prepared new surfactants in certain properties.