PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A SURFACTANT A QUICK AND PRECISE METHOD

The characterization of a surfactant through the HLB method is widely used; however it has several shortcomings. The experimental method based on the stability maximum is often inaccurate and tedious. Furthermore, the method does not take into account the effects of electrolytes, alcohols and temperature

The new method of characterization is based on the attainment of optimum formulation for three-phase behavior and minimum interfacial tension, and the use of linear mixing rules. The experiments are readily carried out, and yield an accuracy equivalent to 0·1 HLB unit

The characterization can be performed with one or two base surfactants, and the resulting surfactant parameter, which may be expressed as HLB, is independent of the other conditions, i.e., oil type, alcohol type and concentration, electrolyte type and concentration, and temperature. The method is related to the PIT and EACN_min concepts.