A project sponsored by Intelligent Formulation in the UK used the Chemspeed FORMAX at VLCI to gather Cc data on 22 green surfactants.
In many industries we have to find the right surfactant for the job. We all know how hard this can be – so many surfactants to choose from and so little helpful information! The HLB theory could give some useful indications but only for one particular type of surfactant. But even with these surfactants, handy phenomena like PIT (phase inversion temperature) could not be predicted. A new approach has been proven to be much more useful in selecting the right surfactant for (microemulsions).
It uses a simple equation (HLD-NAC) to make profound predictions about the type of emulsion (o/w, w/o) and how efficient the surfactant will be. At its heart are two numbers: the Cc (Characteristic curvature) of the surfactant and EACN (Effective Alkane Carbon Number) of the oil. Each can be measured via standard “scan” techniques that systematically vary oil, salt or surfactant concentrations. For a few surfactants or oils this can be done manually, but HT techniques are ideally suited for conducting these scans efficiently and reliably. Once you have assessed these two numbers, the behaviour of the surfactant can be predicted under almost every circumstance! A very handy tool for anyone who has too many surfactants to chose from but too little time!
A project sponsored by Intelligent Formulation in the UK used the Chemspeed FORMAX at VLCI to gather Cc data on 22 green surfactants. The data gathered by the project have already yielded benefits for the project sponsor, Syntopix, allowing them to shift to green surfactants for a novel oral care product.
The data have been added to the Cc and EACN database contained in the free HLD-NAC software available from the website listed below. With this software and your own HT determination (or via VLCI) of Cc and EACN values of your surfactants and your oils, respectively, choosing and formulating with surfactants can move to a new level of efficacy. Robotic determination of Cc values can be carried out more than 10 times faster than by traditional long-hand phase scans, significantly decreasing the required manpower and greatly improving accuracy. This is the first time high throughput screening and HLD-NAC have been brought together.
About VLCI
VLCI, founded in November 2008, supplies R&D services for the coating industry. A fresh and creative company, performing innovative R&D services with a practical approach. The founder of VLCI, Sander Van Loon, had 7 years of work experience in developing innovative solutions for coatings (WO2006/079516 and WO2008/003695). VLCI is specialized in formulating coatings and synthesis of (an) organic products, like polymers.
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