Title: Foaming properties of amine oxide-based surfactants

Authors: Jitendra G. Tongaonkar; Sunil S. Bhagwat; C. Srinivas; D. Banerjee; J.L. Goswami; P.K. Wattal

Addresses: Chemical Engineering Department, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India ' Chemical Engineering Department, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India ' ETP, DD site, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India ' PSDD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India ' BETDD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India ' BETDD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India

Abstract: The present study deals with amine oxide-based foam formulation especially developed for decontamination application in the nuclear industries. The effect of various foam boosters such as Lauryl Amido Propyl Betaine (LAPB), Coco Diethanol Amide (CDEA) and Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (LAE) on the foaming power of surfactants in the presence of several decontaminating chemicals has been evaluated. It has been found that Laurylamido Propyl Amine Oxide (LAPAO) in conjunction with LAE is the most effective in producing highly stable foam. Increased foam stability and foaming power of the formulation in the presence of commonly used decontaminating agents such as HNO₃, oxalic acid, EDTA and Na₂CO₃ shows promise for effective use in decontamination applications. The foaming properties have been studied using standard Ross-Miles method and a newly constructed apparatus.

Keywords: amine oxide; foamability; foam stability; foam boosters; nuclear decontamination; decontaminating agents; foaming properties; surfactants; nuclear energy; nuclear power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2014.064938

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2014 Vol.8 No.4, pp.277 - 289

Received: 28 Jul 2013
Accepted: 19 Nov 2013
Published online: 28 Oct 2014 *

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