A novel approach to mixed micelles formation: study the interactions between bis-quaternary ammonium salts and nonionic surfactant Triton X-100

Abstract

Abstract This article focuses on the description of novel mixed system formulations of bis-quaternary ammonium salts (bis-QASs) and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (TX-100). Measurements of surface tension (γ), foam stability, contact angle (CA) and cloud point (CP) were investigated at different ratios of the given compounds. The results indicated that changes in the structure of the bis-QASs amphiphilic cation, including the length of the alkyl spacer and the presence or absence of –OH groups, affected the adsorption and micellization. Furthermore, the elongation of the alkyl spacer in the bis-QASs structure affects the increase in the CP temperature. The research carried out shows the future potential of mixed combinations (bis-QASs and TX-100) to be used in industrial applications.