Abstract
A series of linear alcohol ether sulfates varying in alkyl carbon chain length and ethylene oxide content was evaluated with respect to surface activity, viscosity, foaming, and detergency. Performance data agree well with surface property data. A low level of EO is best in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in lowering surface tension, which is why a low-mole ether sulfate salt-thickens better, produces foam which is more tolerant of soil, and gives good detergency performance. A lauryl-range alkyl carbon chain length is best for foaming and salt-thickening, but a higher carbon chain length appears to be better for detergency performance.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Cox, M.F.,J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 66:367 (1989).
Schwuger, M.J., ACS Symposium Series, No. 253, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. (1984).
Rosen, M.J.,Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena, Wiley, New York, 1978, p. 162.
Donaldson, B.R., and E.T. Messenger,Int. J. Cosm. Sci. 1:71 (1979).
Matson, T.P., ACS Symposium Series, No. 159, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C. (1981).
Matson, T.P.,Soap and Chemical Specialties 39:52 (1963).
Cox, M.F. and K.L. Matheson,J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 62:1396 (1985).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Cox, M.F. Effect of alkyl carbon chain length and ethylene oxide content on the performance of linear alcohol ether sulfates. J Am Oil Chem Soc 66, 1637–1646 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02636194
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02636194