Stabilization of nonaqueous foam with lamellar liquid crystal particles in diglycerol monolaurate/olive oil system

Nonaqueous foams stabilized by lamellar liquid crystal (L alpha) dispersion in diglycerol monolaurate (designated as C12G2)/olive oil systems are presented. Foamability and foam stability depending on composition and the effects of added water on the nonaqueous foaming behavior were systematically studied. It was found that the foamability increases with increasing C12G2 concentration from 1 to 3 wt% and then decreases with further increasing concentration, but the foam stability increases continuously with concentration. Depending on compositions, foams are stable for a few minutes to several hours. Foams produced by 10 wt% C12G2/olive oil system are stable for more than 6 h. In the study of effects of added water on the foaming properties of 5 wt% C12G2/olive oil system, it was found that the foamability and foam stability of 5 wt% C12G2/olive oil decreases upon addition of 1 wt% water, but with further increasing water, both the foamability and foam stability increase. Foams with 10% water added system are stable for approximately 4 h. Phase behavior study of the C12G2 in olive oil has shown the dispersion of L alpha particles in the dilute regions at 25 degrees C. Thus, stable foams in the C12G2/olive oil system can be attributed to L alpha particle, which adsorb at the gas-liquid interface as confirmed by surface tension measurements and optical microscopy. Laser diffraction particle size analyzer has shown that the average particle diameter decreases with increasing the C12G2 concentration and, hence, the foams are more stable at higher surfactant concentration. Judging from foaming test, optical micrographs, and particle size, it can be concluded that stable nonaqueous foams in the studied systems are mainly caused by the dispersion of L alpha particles and depending on the particle size the foam stability largely differs.     

Enhancing foam stability in porous media by applying nanoparticles

Several new foaming agent formulations (surfactants and polymers) in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were developed in 3% salinity (NaCl, 2.4?wt%, CaCl₂, 0.6?wt%). The dispersion stability of the MWCNT and the viscosity of the solutions were examined as a prerequisite for reservoir applications. Foam was generated in situ and one-dimensional flow-through tests were performed by co-injecting air and foaming solution either in the presence of MWCNT or at particle-free condition. The pressure drop (Δp) across the sand-pack and the nanoparticles breakthrough were closely monitored. The fluid injection rate, gas fraction, and the effect of MWCNT on foams in porous media were investigated.

Our results reveal that foams stabilized by the selected nanoparticles are capable of generating stronger foams leading to higher apparent Δp. The Δp profile varies with gas fraction, which largely affects the foam texture and quality. Also, the viscosity of foaming agent solutions influences Δp values. Adding MWCNT to the foaming agent solutions appears beneficial to the flooding as surfactants adsorption onto nanoparticle surfaces, which facilitates surfactants partitioning to the G/L interface.

Addition of nanoparticles in the developed foam formulations leads to the formation of high-quality stronger foams in porous media, which could potentially improve the sweep efficiency and increase the oil recovery.     

Increased expansion ratio,cell density,and compression strength of microcellular poly(lactic acid) foams via lignin graft poly(lactic acid) as a biobased nucleating agent

Green and renewable foaming poly(lactic acid) (PLA) represents one of the promising developments in PLA materials. This study is the first to use the lignin graft PLA copolymer (LG‐g‐PLA) to improve the foamability of PLA as a biobased nucleating agent. This agent was synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of lignin and lactide. The effects of LG‐g‐PLA on cell nucleation induced by the crystallization, rheological behavior, and foamability of PLA were evaluated. Results indicated that LG‐g‐PLA can improve the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA, and play a significant nucleation role in the microcellular foam processing of PLA. LG‐g‐PLA improved the foam morphology of PLA, obtaining a reduced and uniform cell size as well as increased expansion ratio and cell density. With the addition of 3 wt% LG‐g‐PLA content, the PLA/LG‐g‐PLA foams increased the compressive strength 1.6 times than that of neat PLA foams. The improved foaming properties of PLA via a biobased nucleating agent show potential for the production and application of green biodegradable foams.     

A multi point conductivity measurement system for characterisation of protein foams

Protein foams play an important role in both food and biotechnological processes. A sound understanding of foaming properties of proteins relevant to such processes is useful e.g. to allow adequate control of unwanted foams and appropriate choice of protein-physical system when foams of certain characteristics are required. In general, measurements of changes in foam volume (volumetric method) are used for foam characterisation. However, recently there has been increased interest in the use of measurement methods based on conductivity and capacitance. Simple relative techniques based on electrical conductivity measurements provide information on both foamability and foam stability. A multi point conductivity measurement system has been designed and used for characterisation of model protein foams (0.1 and 1.0 mg ml⁻¹ Bovine serum albumin, BSA). The solution of BSA was sparged with nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas at constant flow rate (90 cm³ min⁻¹) via a stainless steel sinter (0.5 or 2.0 μm in pore size). A comparison of foaming properties determined by volumetric and conductimetric techniques is provided. Both methods show that more stable foams are obtained for solutions at higher BSA concentrations. At all BSA concentrations, higher foamability and stability are achieved with a smaller sinter pore size. When nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide is used as a dispersed phase, higher foamability and foam stability are obtained. The conductivity measurements indicate that foamability is dependent on gas type, whereas, volumetric measurements do not show such differences.     

Stability of Polymer and Surfactant Mixture Enhanced Foams in the Presence of Oil Under Static and Dynamic Conditions

Three different types of foaming agents including hydrocarbon surfactant TQ01, partial fluorinated surfactant BF01, and per-fluorinated surfactant QF01 exhibited good foaming ability and foam stability under 95°C high temperature and 32,325 ppm salinity conditions. The oil-tolerance ability order with respect to Malaysia Off-shore (MOS) crude oil for surfactant TQ01, BF01, and QF01 is TQ01 < BF01 < QF01. Introduction of polymer into the foam formula could significantly increase foam stability. Different polymers show different abilities of increasing foam stability. Spreading coefficient and entering coefficient are close to zero for surfactant BF01 foaming system and much less than zero for surfactant QF01 foaming system, so the oil-resistance ability of foam generated by surfactant QF01 is the strongest. For surfactant TQ01 foaming system, the calculated spreading coefficient and entering coefficient are greater than zero; therefore, the TQ01 foam system is more sensitive to MOS crude oil and its oil-resistance ability is the poorest. Core flooding test indicated that using the 0.4% BF01 and 0.2% YH1096 combined foaming formula could increase the pressure drop across the porous media significantly, indicating that strong foam was generated in the presence of MOS crude oil.     

Laboratory Study on Low Gas/Liquid Ratio Foam Flooding for Zhuangxi Heavy Oil

Considering the high cost and injection pressure of conventional foam flooding, foam flooding with low gas/liquid ratio was proposed to enhance the heavy oil recovery. A foamer containing 0.2 wt% α -olefin sulfonate, 0.1 wt% HPAM and 0.5 wt% Na₂CO₃ was selected for Zhuangxi heavy oil. Then the foam stability and low gas/liquid ratio foam flooding were studied via micro model and sand pack experiments. The results indicate that the foam is much more stable in heavy oil than in diesel; in flooding tests, this foamer with gas/liquid ratio of 0.2:1 increases the oil recovery by 39.8%, which is nearly 11% higher than ASP solution in terms of the same injection volume (0.3PV) and agents.     

Foaming in aqueous solutions of zwitterionic surfactant: Effects of oil and salts

This paper reports a study on the stability of foams generated from the aqueous solutions of the zwitterionic surfactant, N-Dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, in presence of NaCl, CaCl₂ and AlCl₃. The effect of oil (i.e. n-hexane) on foam was also studied. The surface and interfacial tensions were measured. These tensions and the CMC decreased upon salt addition, signifying an increased adsorption of the surfactant molecules at the interface. The quantity of salt required for reducing the surface tension and CMC was in the sequence: NaCl > CaCl₂ > AlCl₃. The salts had a pronounced effect on the foaming characteristics, i.e. they reduced the initial foam volume. The effectiveness of salts in reducing the foam stability followed the sequence: AlCl₃ > CaCl₂ > NaCl. However, the foam collapse rate was reduced in the presence of salt. The presence of oil decreased the foam volume and reduced its stability. The entering, bridging, and spreading coefficients were calculated, which explained the stability of foams in presence of oil.     

Comparative Analysis of the Properties of Tween‐20, Tween‐60, Tween‐80, Arlacel‐60, and Arlacel‐80

Foamability and foam stability, emulsifying power, surface tension, and interfacial tension were investigated for Tween‐20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate), Tween‐60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate), Tween‐80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate), Arlacel‐60 (Sorbitan stearate), and Arlacel‐80 (Sorbitan oleate). Among all the surfactants tested for their foaming power and foamabilty, Arlacel‐60 and Arlacel‐80 showed the best results; the foaming power and foamability was found to be 100%. The surfactants having foam stability more than 50% can be considered as metastable and those less than 50% are considered as low‐stability foams. In case of surface tension and interfacial tension property measurements, Arlacel‐80 showed the best results. At 1% surfactant concentration, the surface tension and interfacial tension of Arlacel‐80 was found to be 29.9 dynes/cm and 1.1 dynes/cm at 30°C ambient temperature. Also, Arlacel‐60 was found to exhibit the best emulsifying power among all the surfactants tested. At 30°C, the emulsifying property of Arlacel‐60 was 6 hours.     

Investigation of aqueous foam stability containing pigment colorant using polyoxyethylene nonionic surfactant

To improve foam stability in pigment foaming dispersions, a series of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (CmEOn) with different alkyl chain and ethylene oxide (EO) chain length (m = 12, 14, 16 and n = 5, 7, 9) were used as foam stabilizer to select the most superior structure for stabilizing foam. The effects of CmEOn on surface tension were investigated which revealed that the CMC of CmEOn in the pigment foaming dispersion decreased with the increase of surfactant hydrophobicity or the decrease of hydrophilicity. Compared to the alkyl chain, EO chain length influenced foam more significantly. C₁₄EO₅ in the pigment foaming dispersion showed lowest CMC and equilibrium surface tension. The presence of wormlike micelles and lamellar liquid crystal of SDS and C₁₄EO₅ endowed the C₁₄EO₅ pigment foaming dispersion with highest viscosity which was distinctly different with other CmEOn. C₁₄EO₅ showed the most superior stabilization effects with foam half-life of 172.9 min at 9 wt%. To further analyze the stabilization mechanism of C₁₄EO₅, the foam volume and bubble diameter change were observed with a digital microscope. The results demonstrated that the superior stabilization effects of C₁₄EO₅ were closely related to its high viscosity, which mainly resulted in the decrease of foam drainage and gas permeability. C₁₄EO₅, the optimal CmEOn structure for stabilizing foam, shows excellent foam stabilization capability in pigment foaming dispersions, which is a promising tool to realize pigment foam coloring.     

Multi-parameter screening study on the static properties of nanoparticle-stabilized CO2 foam near the CO2 critical point

The important role of nanoparticles (NPs) on foam stabilization under harsh geological conditions has been well recognized. In this paper, the Orthogonal Experimental Design (OED) method is adopted to investigate the synergy effects of six parameters, including NP concentration, surfactant concentration, oil concentration, salinity, temperature, and pressure, under five levels in the range of 0–0.2 wt%, 0.1–0.5 wt%, 0–4 wt%, 0–8 wt%, 20–60 °C, and 5.5–9.5 MPa respectively. K values and B values obtained in the OED experiments are employed to show the single parameter effect and the importance of each influential factor on foam static properties. It is concluded that system temperature and pressure, which has the highest B values of 22 mm and 18 mm on foam height results, are the dominant parameters on foamability, whereas temperature with B values of 80% on foam decay rate is the dominant factor on foam stability. It is observed when the system condition is close to the CO₂ critical point, the foamability and stability of the NP-stabilized foam are much worse than under conditions far from the critical point. At last, optimal formulation of surfactant and NP concentration is proposed and validated for two geological cases of 45 °C and 55 °C with salinity and oil presence. It is expected the experimental technique, as well as the research results, reported in this paper could help the laboratory screening and formulation optimization of the complex NP-stabilized ScCO₂ foam system.     

The effect of silica nanoparticles on the stability of aqueous foams

An experimental study was performed on aqueous foams stabilized by a mixture of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and negatively-charged silica nanoparticles. The effects of the nanoparticles on the stability of foams at different HTAB concentrations were investigated. The foams were characterized by measuring their foamability and stability. Rheological behavior of the foams was also studied. Furthermore, rheology of the air–water interfaces was studied in the linear and nonlinear deformation ranges. The thickness of the monolayer at the interface was measured. The actual size of the silica nanoparticles at the air–water interface was measured by transmission electron microscopy. Based on these measurements, the interaction between the monolayers across the foam film containing HTAB and nanoparticles was investigated. Smaller silica nanoparticles (i.e. diameter less than 10?nm) adsorbed at the air–water interface whereas the larger particles remained in the sub-phase or in the bulk liquid phase. It was found that these nanoparticles strongly influenced the foaming behavior at the low HTAB concentrations (i.e. below the CMC). A Langmuir-type monolayer was formed. The presence of the nanoparticles at the air–water interface provided mechanical strength to the foam films and prevented their rupture. This hindered coalescence of the bubbles, which resulted in a stable foam.     

Prediction of the Properties of a Binary Surfactant Mixture of Arlacel‐165 and Myrj‐59 in Aqueous System

Foamability and foam stability, emulsifying power, surface tension, and interfacial tension were investigated for different ratios of binary surfactant system of Arlacel‐165 (glyceryl stearate (and) PEG‐100 stearate) and Myrj‐59 (polyoxyethylene 100 stearate). Among all the ratios tested for their foaming power and foamabilty, the ratios 8:2, 5:5, 4:6, 2:8, and 1:9 of Arlacel‐165 and Myrj‐59 showed the best results. At these ratios, the foaming power and foamability was found to be 100%. The surfactants having foam stability more than 50% can be considered as metastable and those less than 50% are considered as low‐stability foams. In case of surface tension and interfacial tension property measurements, 8:2 and 9:1 showed the best results. At 8:2 and 9:1 of Arlacel‐165 and Myrj‐59, the surface tension was found to be 37.7 dynes/cm and 1.33 dynes/cm respectively at 30°C ambient temperature. Also, 7:3 of this binary mixture was found to exhibit the best emulsifying power among all the ratios tested. At 30°C, the emulsifying property of the binary mixture was 6 hours.     

Foaming in chemical surfactant free aqueous dispersions of anatase (titanium dioxide) particles

Steady-state dynamic aqueous foams were generated from surfactant-free dispersion of aggregated anatase nanoparticles (in the micrometer size range). In order to tune the particle surfaces, to ensure a critical degree of hydrophobicity (so that they disperse in water and generate foam), the particles were subjected to low-temperature plasma treatment in the presence of a vapor-phase silane coupling agents. From ESCA it was shown that hydrophobization only occurred at a small number of surface sites. Foamability (foam generation) experiments were carried out under well-defined conditions at a range of gas flow rates using the Bikermann Foaming Column.1 The volume of the steady-state foams was determined under constant gas flow conditions, but on removing the gas flow, transient foams with short decay times (<5 s) were observed. The foamability of the steady-state foams was found to be dependent on (a) the time of plasma treatment of the particles (surface hydrophobicity), (b) the particle concentration in the suspension, and (c) the state of dispersion of the particles. High foamability was promoted in the neutral pH regions where the charged particles were highly dispersed. In the low and high pH regions where the particles were coagulated, the foamability was considerably reduced. This behavior was explained by the fact that the large coagula were less easily captured by the bubbles and more easily detached from the interface (during the turbulent foaming conditions) than individual dispersed particles.     

Investigations on foamability of surface-chemically pure aqueous solutions of functionalized alkylaldonamides

The foamability of the aqueous solutions of functionalized, surface-chemically pure surfactants of the nonionic saccharide-type: N,N-di-n-alkylaldonamides, N-alkyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)aldonamides, and N-cycloalkylaldonamides, derivatives of D-glucono-1,5-lactone and/or D-glucoheptono-1,4-lactone, were investigated. The approach of Lunkenheimer and Ma?ysa for the characterization of the foamability and foam stability of these surfactant solutions was applied for these investigations. Using standard parameters related to the different physical stages of the foaming process, foam stability can be described in a simple and easy manner. In general, the investigated alkylaldonamides form foams of medium stability. However, for some homologues a transition from unstable to stable foam systems is observed with increasing concentration. Modifications of the molecular structure of the alkylaldonamides are distinctly reflected in their foam properties. This fact concerns not only changes of the hydrophobic moiety and its functionalization but also slight variations of the saccharide residue. Each homologous series reveals an exceptional foam behavior. In the case of the N,N-di-n-alkylaldonamides the increase of the n-alkyl chain length is accompanied by an increase of the foam stability. The aqueous solutions of the N-alkyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)aldonamides reveal most favorable foaming properties for homologues with average alkyl chain lengths. Moreover, it was found that the occurrence of a phase transition in the adsorption layers of the N-cyclooctylgluconamides previously observed by surface tension and surface potential measurements is also remarkably reflected in their foam stability.     

智能水基泡沫研究进展

作为典型的软物质,水基泡沫因具有较小的粒径、较大的比表面积和良好的流动性而广泛应用于洗涤剂、化妆品、食品工程、油气开采等领域。在实际应用中,泡沫的稳定性起着制约性作用。近年来,在环境因素刺激下,能在稳定和非稳定状态之间转变的可控智能泡沫引起了极大关注。针对近年来智能水基泡沫的研究进展,本文综述了基于温度、磁场、光、pH和CO₂响应等智能水基泡沫体系,讨论了不同类型的智能水基泡沫的形成机理及相应性能,展望了智能水基泡沫的应用前景和发展方向。     

泡沫的稳定性及液晶对它的影响

泡沫体系的表面张力、粘度,表面粘度以及液晶相的存在对泡沫的稳定性皆有影响。消泡剂可改变上述性质。本文报导聚氧乙烯辛基酚(TritonX-100),十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS),油酸三乙醇胺(TEAOL)和卵磷脂等起泡剂在均相溶液及有液晶存在时产生泡沫的稳定性,观察硅油的消泡作用。     

Research of Foam Performance of 3-Dodecyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl Trimethylammonium Bromide and Its Complex Systems

Foam performance of 3-dodecyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium bromide (DOHTAB) has been determined in the presence of different relative amounts of polymer and sodium bromide. The experimental results show that the foaming ability of the mixed systems of DOHTAB/polymer and DOHTAB/sodium bromide is stronger than that of the surfactant solutions in the absence of polymer and sodium bromide. Both foaming efficiency and foam stability of the surfactant solutions are evidently enhanced with increasing relative amounts of polymer and sodium bromide. The foamability of the mixture of DOHTAB/NaBr is stronger than that of the mixed system of DOHTAB/PEG or DOHTAB/PVP when the percentage composition is the same, whereas the foam stability of the former is weaker than that of the latter. The foamability and foam stability of the DOHTAB/PEG system were both better than those of the mixed system of DOHTAB/PVP at the same concentration.     

PEP与阴离子表面活性剂复配体系泡沫性能的研究

研究了PEP型非离子表面活性剂分别与十二烷基苯磺酸钠（DBS）,十二烷基硫酸钠（SDS）形成复配体系的泡沫性能,讨论了浓度及配比的变化对泡沫性能的影响,结果表明起泡性和稳泡性皆随混合表面活性剂的浓度的上升而增强;在一定浓度下,随着PEP比例下降,起泡性和稳泡性也随着增大,并达到稳定值。     

The Effect of Macromolecules on Foam Stability in Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/Cetylpyridinium Bromide Mixtures

Abstract

The effects of macromolecules, gelatin, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), on the properties of foam comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPDB) have been studied by measurements of foamability, foam stability, surface tension, and solution specific viscosity. The results indicate that foamability and foam stability are significantly improved when macromolecules are added into mixed systems. Both gelatin and PVP associate with SDS/CPDB surfactants and form aggregates. Electrostatic repulsion and steric stabilization between the two sides of the foam lamellae, due to aggregation, and prevention of drainage in the lamellae, achieved by the long chains of macromolecules are the reasons for increasing foamability and foam stability. The interactions between PVP and surfactants is weaker than those between gelatin and surfactants. The strongest association between macromolecules and surfactants occurs when the molar ratio of SDS/CPDB is 1:1. By comparing PVP with gelatin, the former is favored to increase foamability, and the latter is favored to increase foam stability.     

Smart Foams: Switching Reversibly between Ultrastable and Unstable Foams

Smart foams: Ultrastable foams with an optimal foamability are obtained using hydroxy fatty acids tubes. The stabilization results from the adsorption of monomers at the air-water interface and from the presence of tubes in the plateau borders. Upon heating, tubes transform to micelles, leading to foam destabilization and thus to the first foams to exhibit temperature-tuneable stability.