Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 23 (3) December 2011, p. 1202-1209
MICROEMULSIONS FORMED WITH PALM OIL-BASED MATERIALS AS ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY LIQUID CLEANERS FOR HAND SURFACES
This article describes the formation of microemulsions by utilising fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and a surfactant or mixed surfactant system derived from palm oil-based oleochemicals. The effects of 1,2 hexanediol as a conventional non-toxic co-surfactant were investigated by observing the ternary phase behaviour of palm oil-based microemulsions for three types of surfactant systems, i.e., fatty alcohol ethoxylates 7EO (FAE 7); mixed surfactants FAE 7 and fatty alcohol ethoxylates 2EO (FAE 2) in a 75:25 ratio; and mixed surfactants FAE 7, FAE 2 and methyl ester sulphonate (MES) in a 60:20:20 ratio. The microemulsion (µE) solutions formed were characterised by conductivity, viscosity and droplet-size measurements as suggested by the duct cleaning experts from Willard Power Vac. The cleaning performance of selected palm oil-based microemulsions as all-purpose spray liquid cleaners for hard surfaces is also reported.
KEYWORDS:* Malaysian Palm Oil Board,
P. O. Box 10620,
50720 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
E-mail: ismail@mpob.gov.my
** Faculty of Science and Technology,
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT),
Mengabang Telipot,
21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
# This article was presented as a poster paper at the
18th International Conference on Surfactants in Solution,
14-19 November 2010, Melbourne, Australia.