Chain length compatibility effects in mixed surfactant systems for technological applications

Chain length compatibility is an important factor in systems involving interfacial films. As surface active molecules as well as other hydrocarbon molecules are aligned at interfaces, the properties of the interface are impacted to a large extent upon the matching or mismatching of the alkyl chain lengths. The effects of chain length compatibility are particularly important to interfacial properties and technologies such as: surface tension, surface viscosity, micellar stability, foamability, lubrication, contact angle, bubble size, environmental remediation, corrosion, enhanced oil recovery, microemulsion water solubilization and microemulsion stability. In this article the authors discuss the importance of chain length compatibility on these interfacial properties and related technologies from a practical and fundamental viewpoint.