Influence of nano-aluminum hydroxide on foam properties of the mixtures of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactants

Abstract

To explore the synergistic effect of nanoparticles and surfactants on foam stability, nano-aluminum hydroxide (nano-ATH), short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant (FS-50), and hydrocarbon surfactant (APG-0810) were selected to prepare mixed dispersions of nanoparticles and surfactants. The surface activity, viscosity, conductivity, foamability, and foam stability of the mixed dispersions of nano-ATH/FS-50/APG-0810 were systematically studied. Intense molecular interactions between nanoparticles and surfactants existed at the gas/liquid interface and in the bulk dispersions. The surface activity and electrical conductivity of the mixed nano-ATH/FS-50/APG-0810 dispersions decreased gradually with the addition of nano-ATH, and the viscosity increased gradually. The addition of nano-ATH reduced the foaming ability of the aqueous solutions of FS-50/APG-0810, but further increase in nano-ATH concentration resulted in a corresponding increase in the foaming ability of the dispersions. Foam coarsening and drainage under gravity decreased with increasing nano-ATH concentration. Foam stability of the ternary mixtures gradually increased with increasing nano-ATH concentration. These findings provide a reliable theoretical basis for the application of nano-ATHs to the development of fire extinguishing agents.