Effect of alkyl carbon chain length and ethylene oxide content on the performance of linear alcohol ether sulfates

A series of linear alcohol ether sulfates varying in alkyl carbon chain length and ethylene oxide content was evaluated with respect to surface activity, viscosity, foaming, and detergency. Performance data agree well with surface property data. A low level of EO is best in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in lowering surface tension, which is why a low-mole ether sulfate salt-thickens better, produces foam which is more tolerant of soil, and gives good detergency performance. A lauryl-range alkyl carbon chain length is best for foaming and salt-thickening, but a higher carbon chain length appears to be better for detergency performance.