Studies on Dynamic Surface Tension of an Outstanding Microemulsifier in Supercritical CO2 and Its Wetting Performance

Dodecyl polyoxyethylene(4) polyoxypropylene(5) ether (LS45) is an outstanding microemulsifier in supercritical CO₂. The dynamic surface tension (DST) of this nonionic surfactant was investigated by using the maximum bubble pressure instrument. The effects of concentration and temperature on DST parameters (n, t_i, t*, t_m, and R_1/2) and its adsorption mechanism were discussed by Rosen's empirical equation and the asymptotic Ward and Tordai equation for the LS45 solution system. Finally, the parameters at 1 s related to Draves's wetting performance, pC_20(1s), C_1s (i)*, and C_1s*, analyzed. The results showed that were with increase of bulk concentration and temperature, dynamic surface activity increased. Parameters at 1 s indicated that LS45 is of high surface activity and a very good wetting agent. One‐second related parameters, C_1s (i)* and C_1s*, are valuable in the treatment of practical applications of surfactants. Optimum wetting can be expected at the concentration of 4.8×10^?4 mol/dm³ for LS45 solution.