Wormlike micelles in green surfactant systems
(2024) KLGM06 20241Food Technology and Nutrition (M.Sc.)
- Abstract
- α-Olefin Sulfonate surfactants offer a greener alternative to traditional sulphated surfactants thanks to their higher biodegradability. Their similar molecular structures should, in theory, allow them to be used in the same range of applications as the sulphonated counterpart. However, the newer alternative also comes with novel challenges. While the thickening of a formulation with a sulphated surfactant can be achieved by salt addition, novel sulphonated surfactants require the introducing co-surfactants to the formulation. Previous studies at CR resulted in the design of a purification process that enhanced the viscosity build up capacity of the surfactant was achieved.
In this master thesis work this method was applied and tested.... (More) - α-Olefin Sulfonate surfactants offer a greener alternative to traditional sulphated surfactants thanks to their higher biodegradability. Their similar molecular structures should, in theory, allow them to be used in the same range of applications as the sulphonated counterpart. However, the newer alternative also comes with novel challenges. While the thickening of a formulation with a sulphated surfactant can be achieved by salt addition, novel sulphonated surfactants require the introducing co-surfactants to the formulation. Previous studies at CR resulted in the design of a purification process that enhanced the viscosity build up capacity of the surfactant was achieved.
In this master thesis work this method was applied and tested. Through techniques such as HPLC-MS and NMR the content of the surfactant was unveiled, revealing that the technical grade surfactant was a mixture of different compounds. Among them, the most possible culprit for hindering the thickening capacities those holding an alcohol group in carbons distancing from the head group. Additionally, the surfactant-water system was further characterized utilizing SAXS and DLS, leading to the elaboration of a phase diagram. The acquired knowledge will help formulators incorporate the greener alternative in their products, and guide manufacturers on how to make a surfactant with enhanced properties. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- This master thesis work was carried out as a joint project between Lund University and CR Competence AB. The research focused on characterizing and tackling the challenges found in a promising green surfactant.
Surfactants are everywhere in our daily lives, they are found in food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, oil industry, etc. The studied green surfactant, α-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS), is more easily biodegraded and could theoretically be used to substitute traditional sulphated ones, making a leap towards a more sustainable future. However, its usage is being held by its incapacity to build up viscosity by simple salt addition like the sulphated surfactants. In contrast, when AOS is used in formulation, it required the addition of other... (More) - This master thesis work was carried out as a joint project between Lund University and CR Competence AB. The research focused on characterizing and tackling the challenges found in a promising green surfactant.
Surfactants are everywhere in our daily lives, they are found in food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, oil industry, etc. The studied green surfactant, α-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS), is more easily biodegraded and could theoretically be used to substitute traditional sulphated ones, making a leap towards a more sustainable future. However, its usage is being held by its incapacity to build up viscosity by simple salt addition like the sulphated surfactants. In contrast, when AOS is used in formulation, it required the addition of other surfactants to achieve the same properties.
In the thesis, a purification method was used to enhance the properties of AOS. When testing the purified AOS against the commercial AOS, much better results were obtained. Implying that the problematics came from the impurities present in the AOS, rather than the surfactant itself.
Through a combination of analytical techniques, the major components of the technical grade AOS and the most likely culprit of the hindrance, were found. The culprit was a by-product generated from the synthesis of AOS. That molecule modified how the surfactant self-assembled and gave rise to the problematics.
Additionally, the surfactant was tested in multiple formulations including varying salt concentration and the presence of a co-surfactant. Also, those formulations were further characterised to gain a deeper understanding of its physical-chemical properties.
The knowledge gained through this work will help formulators incorporate the greener alternative to their products. Moreover, it aids producers understand the root of the problem and hints at how to manufacture a better product. Overall, this thesis is a small step towards a more environmentally friendly future. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9155816
- author
- Adrover Forteza, Jaume LU
- supervisor
-
- Jonas Carlstedt LU
- Marie Wahlgren LU
- Tommy Nylander LU
- organization
- course
- KLGM06 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Physical Chemistry, Micelle, Elongated micelles, α-Olefin Sulfonate, alfa-olefin sulfonate, AOS, surfactant, surfactants, green, HPLC, NMR, SAXS, DLS, viscosity, Critical packing parameter, CPP, birefringence, CMC, tensiometer, surface tension.
- language
- English
- id
- 9155816
- date added to LUP
- 2024-06-11 08:29:33
- date last changed
- 2024-06-14 10:27:32
@misc{9155816,
abstract = {{α-Olefin Sulfonate surfactants offer a greener alternative to traditional sulphated surfactants thanks to their higher biodegradability. Their similar molecular structures should, in theory, allow them to be used in the same range of applications as the sulphonated counterpart. However, the newer alternative also comes with novel challenges. While the thickening of a formulation with a sulphated surfactant can be achieved by salt addition, novel sulphonated surfactants require the introducing co-surfactants to the formulation. Previous studies at CR resulted in the design of a purification process that enhanced the viscosity build up capacity of the surfactant was achieved.
In this master thesis work this method was applied and tested. Through techniques such as HPLC-MS and NMR the content of the surfactant was unveiled, revealing that the technical grade surfactant was a mixture of different compounds. Among them, the most possible culprit for hindering the thickening capacities those holding an alcohol group in carbons distancing from the head group. Additionally, the surfactant-water system was further characterized utilizing SAXS and DLS, leading to the elaboration of a phase diagram. The acquired knowledge will help formulators incorporate the greener alternative in their products, and guide manufacturers on how to make a surfactant with enhanced properties.}},
author = {{Adrover Forteza, Jaume}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Wormlike micelles in green surfactant systems}},
year = {{2024}},
}