The effect of polyoxyethylene glycol monoethers ofn-hexadecanol on the stability of a polystyrene latex dispersion

Abstract

Abstract:The influence of nonionic surface active agents, a series of polyoxyethylene glycol monoethers of n-hexadecanol, on the stability of dispersions of 2 /lm diameter polystyrene latices has been investigated. Adsorption and microelectrophoretic studies showed the presence of looped monolayers of surface active agent at plateau adsorption. Examination of sedimentation volumes and redispersibility, correlated with potential energy calculations, showed that the stability of the dispersions depended on the characteristics of the adsorbed layer and on added electrolyte.