The new evolution of protic ionic liquids: Antielectrostatic activity correlated with their surface properties

[Display omitted] •Protic salicylate ILs are used as antielectrostatic agents for polyethylene and polypropylene.•Correlation between antielectrostatic behavior and surface properties.•A parachor concept is very useful for prediction of surface tension of salicylate ILs. The primary aim of this study was to explain the antielectrostatic activity of a series of protic 3-(alkoxymethyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium salicylate ionic liquids as a function of their surface properties. The surface tension and contact angle on chosen surfaces were measured and discussed. The results were investigated as a function of the alkyl chain length of the alkoxymethyl substituent in the imidazolium cation. Despite the complex structure of the ions, the estimated surface tension was correlated with the corresponding experimental results. It was found that the alkyl chain length has a significant impact on the surface properties and wetting abilities of salicylates.