Synthesis and characterization of alkyl polyglucoside surfactant: A pilot tool to industrial applications

Chidi Obi, Precious Valentine Aliba and Godson Ndubuisi Iwuoha

Abstract

In this study, alkyl polyglucoside surfactant was synthesized and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined. The synthesized product was quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). The CMC of the
surfactant was evaluated using UV-visible Spectrophotometer. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) value was obtained from the sharp break in the plot of absorbance measurements versus surfactant concentration. The critical micelle
concentration (CMC) of the surfactant was found to be 0.50 mol/dm3. This result showed a precise value for the CMC of non-ionic surfactant; since the value of the CMC obtained was lower than the stock solution of the surfactant prepared. The
standard change in Gibbs free energy of the micelle (∆Go CMC) showed that the process was feasible and spontaneous having the value of − 1.716 kJ/mol. This study recommends that akyl polyglucoside should be widely used for both domestic and industrial processes in view of the environmentally friendly nature, which are safe to use partially.