Synthesis and Performance of Glycerol Ester-Based Nonionic Surfactants

A series of novel glycerol-based nonionic surfactants were synthesized from the trans esterfication of various long chain fatty acid methyl ester with glycerol ester of dibasic acid (succinic acid, and adipic acid). The chemical structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed using elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Surface active properties at air-aqueous solution were determined using Gibb’s adsorption equations including critical micelle concentration (cmc), surface excess at air water interface (Γmax ) and minimum surface area (Amin). The effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic chain length on the surface parameters of the prepared surfactants were discussed. Surfactants with proper HLB which were soluble in the oil phase and in the presence of a very small amount of water formed a stable emulsion. The solubility state of oil and surfactant was the key to making a fine emulsion

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