Structural effects of cationic surfactants in polyacrylamide-surfactant interaction: Micellisation/adsorption of polyacrylamide

Abstract

The structural effects of two cationic surfactants, viz., dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and benzalkonium chloride, in polyacrylamide surfactant interactions has been studied. The effect of structural features of the surfactant on the micellization and/or on adsorption has been studied in terms of CMC/C₂₀ ratio. An increase in the polymer content, increasing –CH₂ group in the tail of the cationic surfactant or increasing the bulkiness of the hydrophobic head group of the surfactant favors the adsorption of polymer on the surfacant.