Synthesis, Characterization, Biodegradation and Evaluation of the Surface Active Properties of Nonionic Surfactants Derived from Jatropha Oil

Four nonionic surface active agents were synthesized using the fatty acids obtained from the hydrolysis of Jatropha oil. The fatty acids obtained contained different fatty acids including: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids in different proportions. The chemical structures of the obtained surfactants were characterized using elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The surface activities of the different surfactants were determined using surface and interfacial tension measurements. The surfactants showed good surface and interfacial activities, which are dependent on their chemical structures. Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and micellization confirmed these results. The biodegradation tests in river water showed that the surfactants are readily biodegradable, and reached the European standards after 24 days. Surfactants containing longer nonionic chains formed stable emulsions with paraffin oil, while shorter chains exhibit a lower emulsion stability performance.