Rheological properties of acid gel cleansers

Aqueous solutions based on alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactants were formulated and characterized by rheometry. Steady shear and oscillatory rheological measurements have been used to study the effect of added acids and salts. The influence of the amine oxide alkyl chain length was also investigated. The formulations were optimized in order to develop home care products, such as bathroom or toilet cleansers. The properties of the cleanser systems are explained by the balance of elastic and viscous components. Highly elastic, gel-like solutions could be obtained upon addition of nitric acid or nitrate salts together with strong acids. The viscosity profile is controlled by synergistic effects between the different ingredients. The rheological properties have been found to be strongly dependent on the surfactant and electrolyte concentrations. The viscoelastic behavoiur of the formulations is discussed with respect of the requirements of ready-to-use gel cleanser products.