Electrophoretic properties in aqueous detergent systems

Electrophoretic mobilities and zeta potentials were developed for triolein, Nujol, and glass particles in aqueous detergent solutions. Zeta potentials in deionized water were: -79, -69, and -62 mv, respectively, for triolein, Nujol, and glass. Electrolyte builders and anionic surfactants markedly increase triolein and Nujol particle mobilities and negative zeta potentials; this effect probably contributes to their detersive action. Nonionic surfactants lower mobility of triolein and glass, and thus show slight cationic character. Significant inflection points are found for nonionic detergents near cmc. A cationic detergent produced high positive charge and zeta potentials with triolein and glass. Data for surfactant-builder combinations show mobilities are primarily determined by the electrolyte. It was concluded that electrokinetic effects are important for dispersion and emulsification, but are not necessary and sufficient conditions for removing oily soil from glass.