The interaction of polymers with surfactants

• Main Author: Mkwayi, Nomthandazo J
• Format: Others
• Published: DigitalCommons@Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center 1983
• Online Access: http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/3529; http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5052&context=dissertations

The interaction between a polymer coded 4364B, containing fluorinated side chains and amine oxide groups, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution was studied. Also the interaction of cationic substituted cellulose ether, Polymer JR, with surfactants such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), perfluoropropionic acid (PFPA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was studied. The surface tension of a solution containing the polymer and the surfactant in various molecular ratios was measured. The surface tension versus surfactant concentration curves at different polymer concentrations revealed that the polymer bound the surfactant in considerable quantities. Both the pure polymer and the polymer/surfactant complexes also adsorbed onto hair. The adsorbed pure polymer imparted oil repellency to hair. On the other hand, the polymer/surfactant complexes did not impart an oil repellency finish. Precipitation studies showed that maximum precipitation tends to occur at ratios of polymer to surfactant at which the charge of the polymer is balanced by that of the surfactant. As the level of the surfactant is increased above this ratio, solubilization of the precipitate occurs.