Potential of binary mixtures of sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) and alkyl polyglucoside (APG10) as oil degreaser

Abstract The industry is challenged to replace toxic chemical-based surfactants with environmentally friendly and biodegradable surfactants. In this study, binary mixtures of sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) and an alkyl polyglucoside (APG 10 ) in various proportions were investigated for their effectiveness as degreasing agents. Efficacy was characterised using surface tension measurements, oil dispersion tests, emulsification, pH and cleaning efficacy in removing engine oil from a metal plate. The surface tension results for all solutions showed a critical micelle concentration of 1500 ppm. The dispersion tests (with oil:surfactant ratios of 1:2 and 1:3) showed that the oil was fully dispersed at an oil:surfactant ratio of 1:2 i.e., at a concentration of 2500 ppm SLSA and 2000 ppm of a binary solution with a volume ratio of SLSA:APG 10 of 75:25. At a ratio of 1:3, the oil was fully dispersed with 2500 ppm of a binary solution with a ratio of SLSA:APG 10 of 75:25. Overall, the solution with a volume ratio of SLSA:APG 10 of 75:25 was the most favourable. The results also showed that a solution containing only SLSA had good potential as a degreaser, as it achieved a cleaning performance of 90% in removing oil from the metal plate despite low emulsification levels (E 24 ) for both surfactants. In summary, a combination of these two green surfactants can be used effectively as a degreasing agent.