Mixtures of Nonionic Surfactants Made from Renewable Resources with Alkyl Sulfates: Comparison of Headgroups

Mixtures of alkyl N-methyl glucamines with linear alkyl sulfates and alkyl glucopyranosides (glycosides) with linear alkyl sulfates were investigated. Six different nonionic-anionic pairings chosen based on similar critical micelle concentration (CMC) in order to ensure that the best synergy is observed. Solutions at various concentrations and mixture ratios were tested and evaluated to determine CMC, surface tension at the CMC, surface tension reduction efficiency, and emulsification of decane. The results were evaluated and show synergism in both the alkyl sulfate/alkyl methyl glucamine as well as the alkyl sulfate/alkyl glycoside systems. A much greater interaction was seen between the sulfate headgroup and the methyl glucamine headgroup. The difference between the efficiency of interaction was attributed to the more flexible nature of the glucamine headgroup relative to that of the glycoside headgroup.