Abstract
In this study, the effect of the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) number and cloud point (CP) of a secondary-alcohol ethoxylated nonionic surfactant on degreasing efficiency was investigated. A degreasing process was conducted for steel samples with different surfactants in a degreasing solution. The HLB number and CP increased with the increasing n of the hydrophilic ethylene oxide (OCH2CH2)n group. For a constant temperature of the degreasing solution (30–80 °C), the degreasing efficiency was investigated as a function of degreasing time. The highest degreasing efficiency was observed near the cloud point of the surfactant, and the degreasing efficiency decreased significantly at temperatures lower and greater than the cloud point. A Hogaboom test was carried out to observe oil stains on the surface of samples. Additionally, the contact angle of the surface with water droplets was measured after degreasing with various surfactants.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
