Adsorption of Surfactants on Mineral Solids

Factors influendng 1he adsorption of ionic surfactants on solids are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the role of electrostatic forces and of lateral association within adsorbed layers. MechanLsms leading to charge gene.ration on solids are descdbed, and the dependence of adsorption on charge effects i\u27s mustrated by reference to published data on a number of different solid surfactan:t systems. It is shown how the electrostatic factor can be strongly modified · by the presence of inorganic salts. The importance of chain-chain interactions is illustrated by the influence of chains length and composition on adsorption, and also by the pH dependence of the adsorption of long chain, weak electrolytes. This leads to a discussion of the possible role of highly surface active long chain complexes. Lastly, the influence of polymers on the adsorption of surfactants is discussed