Diffuse layer electrostatic potential and stability of thin aqueous films containing a nonionic surfactant

• Published in: Langmuir 1991-10, Vol.7 (10), p.2253-2260
• Main Authors: Manev, E. D, Pugh, R. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Gas-liquid interface and liquid-liquid interface; General and physical chemistry; Surface physical chemistry
• ISSN: 0743-7463; 1520-5827; 1520-5827
• DOI: 10.1021/la00058a046

The adsorption of a hydrolyzable surfactant, dodecylammonium chloride, and interactions between layers thereof, has been studied at a surfactant concentration of 10-4 M as a function of pH using the surface force apparatus. At low pH the surfaces undergo charge reversal as dodecylammonium ions adsorb to form a sparse monolayer. At pH 8-9, adsorption of neutral dodecylamine molecules becomes important, rendering the monolayer more compact with a thickness close to the length of an extended molecule. A hydrophobic attraction is observed between the surfactant monolayers. At pH 9.5-10.3, a bilayer forms on each surface. The double layer force decreases gradually with incrasing pH and disappears at pH 10.3. At this and slightly higher pH values a multilayer gradually builds up on the surface. At pH values around 12 the multilayer buildup is prevented by a recharging of the adsorbed layer. Both the adsorption behavior and the interactions between the layers are reversible with respect to changes in the pH. The structure of the adsorbed surfactant layer on mica is compared to that on other surfaces.