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Importance of the Cloud Point of non-ionic surfactants
The Cloud Point of a solution corresponds to the temperature above which a sample becomes turbid. This phenomenon can be observed with non-ionic surfactants in water. Non-ionic surfactants are widely used in many commercial applications: as solubilizing agents, detergents, emulsifiers, etc. Consideration of Cloud Point data of any surfactant is extremely important when designing its application, based on the nature of the surfactant and temperature conditions.
How can the Cloud Point of non-ionic surfactants be tuned?
The Cloud Point of non-ionic surfactants is highly influenced by addition of ionic surfactants as well as electrolytes. This provides room for tuning the Cloud Point depending on the prerequisites of the application.
In the present study, the trend in the Cloud Point value of Tergitol™ NP-10 (Nonylphenol ethoxylate) with addition of ionic surfactant (Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate) or electrolyte (potassium chloride) is evaluated.
The cloud point is detected fully automatically using the MP80 Melting Point System. Duplicate Cloud Point measurements provide additional reliability of results and increase throughput.
