The influence of surfactants on the structure of transparent gelatin films

The interference image of cold-dried transparent gelatin films containing different surfactants was determined in the conoscopic ray of monochromatic light. From the results obtained the order of the structure of gelatin in the film was characterized. Unlike the ionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), which lead to a reduction of the ordered structure, the addition of nonionic and amphoteric surfactants [ethoxylized octylphenole and a technical C₁₂/C₁₄-dipoly(oxyethylene)ammoniopropane sulfonate] causes an increase of the ordered structure of gelatin. The results quantitatively agree with those found for the influence of surfactants on the secondary structure of gelatin in diluted gelatin solutions. The influence is independent of the gelatin/surfactant ratio and has been explained by gelatin/gelatin interaction competing with the gelatin/surfactant interaction if the gelatin concentration becomes sufficiently high.