Physicochemical Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Binary Mixtures of Lignin Derivatives and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Physicochemical properties of aqueous solutions of binary mixtures of lignosulfonates and sodium dodecyl sulfate were studied. Introduction of sodium dodecyl sulfate into solutions of high-molecular-mass lignosulfonates at certain ratios causes macrophase separation of the systems with the formation of loose precipitates. A synergistic effect of a decrease in the surface tension is observed in the mixed solutions. This effect increases with increasing lignosulfonate molecular mass and temperature. The revealed relationships are caused by hydrophobic interactions of hydrocarbon radicals of sodium dodecyl sulfate with hydrophobic segments of lignosulfonate polymer chains with the formation of micellar associates. Aqueous solutions of binary mixtures of lignosulfonates (с_LS ≥ 0.2 g dm^–3) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (с_DSNa ≥ 0.08 g dm^–3) can be recommended for use as surfactant formulations for high-temperature autoclave leaching of polymetal ores.