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Mechanistic Studies of Particulate Soil Detergency: I. Hydrophobic Soil Removal
Author(s) -
Rojvoranun Sureeporn,
Chadavipoo Chairat,
Pengjun Wikanda,
Chavadej Sumaeth,
Scamehorn John F.,
Sabatini David A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of surfactants and detergents
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.349
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1558-9293
pISSN - 1097-3958
DOI - 10.1007/s11743-011-1319-7
Subject(s) - pulmonary surfactant , chemistry , adsorption , cationic polymerization , chemical engineering , zeta potential , wetting , surface tension , contact angle , tensiometer (surface tension) , aqueous solution , hydrophobic effect , organic chemistry , biochemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , nanoparticle , engineering
The mechanism of particulate soil detergency using aqueous surfactant systems is not well understood. In this research, carbon black (model hydrophobic soil) removal from a hydrophilic (cotton) and hydrophobic (polyester) fabric is studied using anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants. The zeta potential, solid/liquid spreading pressure, contact angle and surfactant adsorption of both soil and fabric are correlated to detergency over a range of surfactant concentrations and pH levels. Electrostatic repulsion between fabric and soil is generally found to be the dominant mechanism responsible for soil removal for all surfactants and fabrics. Steric effects due to surfactant adsorption are also important for nonionic surfactants for soil detachment and antiredeposition. Solid/liquid interfacial tension reduction due to surfactant adsorption also aids in detergency in cationic surfactant systems. Wettability is not seen as being an important factor and SEM photos show that entrapment of soil in the fabric weave is not significant; the particles are only attached to the fabric surface. Anionic surfactants perform best, then nonionic surfactants. Cationic surfactants exhibit poor detergency which is attributed to low surfactant rinseability.