Abstract Three polymerizable spans based on sorbitan monoesters were synthesized and copolymerized with the acrylamide at different ratios to prepare nine amphiphilic copolymers via the inverse emulsion copolymerization technique. The FTIR, 1H-NMR, and viscosity average molecular weight ways characterized the synthesized monomers and copolymers. The general designation for the copolymers is PSnSs. Surface active and thickening properties for the aqueous solutions of the prepared copolymers were investigated. The influence of salts' concentration and temperature variation on the apparent viscosity and surface/interfacial activity was studied for the selected copolymers, and their emulsification ability was also examined. The results showed that the attached polymerizable spans enhanced the properties and capabilities of the acrylamide copolymers. This enhancement increased with increasing the attached monomers' ratio and lipophilic chain length. The copolymer PS60S-3 displayed the best values and capabilities with values at 0.2 wt% in distilled water for the γ ST, γ IFT, and η app equal 42.25 mN.m−1, 13.3 mN.m−1, and 495.76 mPa.s, respectively. It has the potential to be used as a bi-functional flooding agent.
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