Glutamic acid-glucose Gemini surfactants: physico-chemical properties and effect on the dyeability of polyester fabric

In this study we used glutamic acid as a linking group and glucose, propylene glycol, and fatty alcohols as raw materials to prepare glutamic acid-glucose Gemini surfactants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to verify the structures of the surfactants. We investigated their surface properties (surface tension, contact angles), and their effect on the fluorescence of pyrene. To test their potential application, we prepared emulsions with the surfactants and olive oil, and evaluated the emulsion stability with a particle size analyzer. We also investigated the ability to dye polyester fabrics in the presence of the glutamic acid-glucose-gemini surfactants. Among our synthesized materials, those with shorter alkyl chains exhibited better surface activities and emulsification properties, resulting in excellent dye uptake and leveling.