Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Spectroscopic investigation of the mutual interactions between nonionic surfactant, hydrocarbon, and water

Journal Article · · J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States)

NMR, UV, and IR spectroscopy were used to determine the interactions in hydrocarbon solutions between polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, water, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The results showed a concentration dependence for the site of benzene in benzene/surfactant solutions. At low concentrations, the benzene molecules were preferentially located adjacent to the surfactant oxyethylene chain with an even distribution along the chain. At high benzene concentrations, a positive concentration gradient was found toward the hydrocarbon end of the oxyethylene chain with an even distribution along the chain. At high benzene concentrations, a positive concentration gradient was found toward the hydrocarbon end of the oxyethylene chain. Addition of water increased this gradient except for the octaethylene glycol dodecyl ether; for this compound the preferential water location appeared to be toward the central part of the oxyethylene chain. 27 references.

OSTI ID:
6170774
Journal Information:
J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Colloid Interface Sci.; (United States) Vol. 75:1; ISSN JCISA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English