WETTING THE SURFACE OF CERTAIN POLYMERS WITH SOLUTIONS OF ETHOXYLATED FATTY ALCOHOLS
Rubrics: 2. CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY
Authors:
1.
KNITU
2.
KNITU
3.
KNITU
Type:
Article
Pages:
from 54
to 58
Status:
Published
Received:
27.01.2026
Accepted:
28.01.2026
Published:
28.01.2026
Language:
Russian
Keywords:
WETTING, POLYMER SURFACE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYSTYRENE, SURFACTANTS, SURFACE FREE ENERGY
Abstract:
This study examined the wetting behavior of polymer surfaces by aqueous solutions of ethoxylated (EO) higher fatty alcohols with different average degrees of ethoxylation (n = 3, 7, and 10). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) were selected as the objects of research. The study of wetting behavior in these materials is not only of practical importance but also of fundamental interest, as it provides insight into how the intrinsic properties of polymers and surfactants jointly influence contact angle formation. Measurements were carried out by the sessile drop method using a KM-8 goniometer. It was established that surfactants are highly effective as wetting agents. At the same time, an increase in the number of ethylene oxide units (from 3 to 10) leads to a decrease in the wetting ability of solutions for both LDPE and PS. A correlation between wetting and the surface free energy (SFE) of polymers was revealed. The values of SFE, including its acid-base and dispersion components, as well as the polarity index of the surface, were calculated based on contact angle measurements obtained for LDPE and PS using test liquids. It was shown that an increase in surface polarity enhances the wetting efficiency of surfactants. In addition, the adhesion work of EO alcohols, calculated according to the Young-Dupre equation, was found to depend both on the degree of ethoxylation and on the SFE of the polymer. With increasing ethoxylation, the adhesion work decreases.
This study examined the wetting behavior of polymer surfaces by aqueous solutions of ethoxylated (EO) higher fatty alcohols with different average degrees of ethoxylation (n = 3, 7, and 10). Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS) were selected as the objects of research. The study of wetting behavior in these materials is not only of practical importance but also of fundamental interest, as it provides insight into how the intrinsic properties of polymers and surfactants jointly influence contact angle formation. Measurements were carried out by the sessile drop method using a KM-8 goniometer. It was established that surfactants are highly effective as wetting agents. At the same time, an increase in the number of ethylene oxide units (from 3 to 10) leads to a decrease in the wetting ability of solutions for both LDPE and PS. A correlation between wetting and the surface free energy (SFE) of polymers was revealed. The values of SFE, including its acid-base and dispersion components, as well as the polarity index of the surface, were calculated based on contact angle measurements obtained for LDPE and PS using test liquids. It was shown that an increase in surface polarity enhances the wetting efficiency of surfactants. In addition, the adhesion work of EO alcohols, calculated according to the Young-Dupre equation, was found to depend both on the degree of ethoxylation and on the SFE of the polymer. With increasing ethoxylation, the adhesion work decreases.
Keywords:
WETTING, POLYMER SURFACE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYSTYRENE, SURFACTANTS, SURFACE FREE ENERGY
WETTING, POLYMER SURFACE, POLYETHYLENE, POLYSTYRENE, SURFACTANTS, SURFACE FREE ENERGY
