Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol.261, No.2, 233-237, 2003
Competitive adsorption of surfactants at air/water interfaces
The zeta potential of an air bubble suspended in an aqueous solution of mixed fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon anionic surfactants is studied over a wide range of concentrations and mixture compositions. The zeta potential is related to surfactant ion adsorption. The two surfactants, which exhibit an antipathy manifested by micellar demixing, compete for surface sites. The total surfactant adsorption is reduced when both surfactants are present. Adsorption phenomena are closely correlated to the micellar phase diagram. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.