Unsaturated monoethanolamide ethoxylates as paint surfactants

Abstract

The paper discusses use of ethoxylated monoethanolamide of highly unsaturated fatty acids for replacement for nonylphenol ethoxylates in coatings. The double bonds in the hydrophobic tail of the ethanolamide ethoxylates impart both bulkiness and polarizability, properties of value with respect to packing at interfaces and interaction with many pigment surfaces. These ethanolamide ethoxylates may also undergo autoxidation. When used as emulsifiers in alkyd emulsions, drying and film properties are improved as compared to formulations based on ethoxylated nonylphenol of the same HLB number. ESCA analysis shows that the polymerizable surfactant migrates to a lesser extent to the film surfaces than does the reference surfactant.