Synergistic effects of mediated by different 1,2-epoxybutane addition numbers butoxylated alkyl block alcohol ethers and SDS in mixed systems

In this study, nonionic surfactant butoxylated alkyl block ether (AE9Bn) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with different BO additions were mixed at different molar ratios to make a hybrid system. The interaction parameters and aggregation behaviors of the blended systems were investigated by observing the average direct particle drop distribution and microscopic aggregates in combination with the results of static surface tension tests of the blended systems. The diffusion process of the mixed systems was investigated using dynamic surface tension tests. The dynamic contact angle and foam properties of the solutions of the mixed systems were also studied. Finally, based on the experimental results, it was concluded that the mixed system of AE9Bn (n=2,5) and SDS formed a synergistic effect that significantly led to a decrease in CMC, with an increase in the number of BO additions leading to a more significant decrease in CMC. The mixed system is a non-ideal mixed system, which is consistent with the kinetic mechanism of mixing and diffusion. The hybrid system has good aggregation pattern and wetting diffusion behavior and has low foam stability due to slow maturation of Ostwald. [Display omitted] •The CMC of the hybrid system is lower than that of the single system.•The greater the BO addition number, the greater the CMC reduction.•New aggregate states appear in the mixed systems and the aggregate diameter is effectively reduced.•Wetting and diffusion are faster in the hybrid system than in the single system.•The foaming and foam stability of the hybrid system is effectively reduced.