Synthesis and Properties of Surface Active Agents. VI.

The Surface Active Properties and the Absorption of Cationic Surfactants by Textile Fibers

Abstract

Quaternary ammonium salts containing various anion : F^-, CI^-, Br^-, I^-, 1/2 SO₄^--, NO₃^-, H₂PO₄^-, ClO₄^-, CH₃COO^-, CCl₃COO^-, C₁₁H₂₃COO^-, 1/2 (COO^-)₂, _??_-COO^- and CH₃-_??_SO₃^- were obtained by the reaction of the corresponding amine salts with ethylene oxide. Their properties of surface tention, wettability, antistatic effect and the absorption by cotton, rayon, nylon, orlon, tetoron and wool were tested. By arranging the quaternary ammonium salts of hydrogen halide in the order of increase in absorption, the following result was obtained ; F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, and I^- in the order of magnitude of the power. And this ordering was commonly adapted to that of hygroscopic degree and wettability. This ordering supports Sexsmith's absorption mechanism (J. Colloid Science, 14, 598 (1959)) of cationic surfactants by cellulosic materials.