Characterization of porous textures in order to explain the influence of a surfactant on the end-use properties of detergent tablets

• Published in: Journal of porous materials 2008-06, Vol.15 (3), p.277-287
• Main Authors: Chantraine, Florence, Viana, Marylene, Brielles, Nelly, Mondain-Monval, Olivier, Pouget, Christelle, Branlard, Paul, Rubinstenn, Gilles, Chulia, Dominique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical Sciences; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Physical Chemistry; Polymers; Surfactants
• ISSN: 1380-2224; 1573-4854
• DOI: 10.1007/s10934-006-9079-x

The functional characteristics (mechanical strength, disintegration and dissolution times) of effervescent detergent tablets containing chlorine provider were investigated according to the presence of a surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Tablets were compared for similar total porosity. The end-use property study highlighted that the presence of 2% of sodium dodecyl sulphate was not favorable to the tablet mechanical characteristics, inducing a lower “bonding ability”. The linear relationship between the disintegration and dissolution times showed that the disintegration time was relevant to express the behavior of the tablets in water. The disintegration data showed two zones: when porosity was higher than 20%, the disintegration time was always lower than 2 min g −1 and similar for both formulas; for lower porosities, the disintegration time increased and was higher in the presence of the surfactant. In this second case, the released CO 2 due to the reaction between adipic acid and sodium bicarbonate in water was slowed down in the presence of the surfactant, confirming the disintegration data. However, this negative effect of SDS on the disintegration time could not be linked to a difference of pore size distribution between the two formulas. So, despite the creation of weak interparticle bonds with the other compounds of the formula, the presence of SDS increased the disintegration by limiting the water uptake, independently of the porous texture. Moreover, no preferential localization of the surfactant at the surface of the tablet might be involved to explain the effect of SDS on the tablet accessibility by water.