Partitioning of Cationic Surfactants Between Heptane and Water

Abstract

This work is concerned with partitioning of cationic surfactants between water and a solvent. The vast majority of commercially interesting cationic surfactants are simple or derivatised amines and quaternary ammonium compounds having a mixed alkyl group based on a naturally occurring fatty acid. Many of the systems in which these products are used consist of several phases in contact which often include water and an immiscible organic phase. It is very important to know how the materials are distributed between the liquid phases as the efficiency of a product in a real system depends on it being present in sufficient quantities in the correct phase. Examples of cases where partition plays an important role in determining performance of a product include the use of corrosion inhibitors in oil pipelines, biocide and herbicide action, and the addition of agents to improve adhesion of bitumen to road surfaces.