Selection of PTSA Catalyst Concentration for the Synthesis Alkyl Polyglycosides from Fatty Alcohol (C16) and Glucose Syrup 85%

Abstract

Alkyl polyglycosides (APG) is a non-ionic surfactant that is environmental friendly and used in the formulations of several products such as herbicides, cosmetics, personal care products and petroleum displacer. The aims of this research were to obtain the best concentration of p-toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) catalyst for the synthesis of APG from fatty alcohol (C₁₆) and glucose syrup (85%) and to determine the performance of APG surfactant produced. The concentrations of PTSA catalyst used were 0.6; 0.9; 1.2; and 1.5% from the weight of glucose used. Results showed that catalyst concentration had no significant effect on the density, pH, and foaming performance, but gave significant effect on interfacial tension. It was also shown that catalyst concentration of 0.6% was different significantly from that of 0.9; 1.2; and 1.5%. However, there were no differences among 0.9; 1.2; and 1.5%, respectively. The best catalyst concentration was 1.2% which gave the interfacial tension value of 4.5x10^-2 dynes/cm, pH of 7.9, density of 0.9839 gr/cm³, and height of foam of 2.3%.