Comparison of salt thickening of conventional and peaked alcohol ether sulfates

Abstract

Abstract The salt thickening properties of solutions of sodium dodecyl ether sulfate derived from alcohol ethoxylates with either peaked or conventional ethylene oxide distribution are reported. Sodium dodecyl ether sulfates with a peaked ethylene oxide distribution salt thicken more than those with a conventional ethylene oxide distribution. Rheological and light scattering studies are consistent with a model in which viscosity arises from the interaction of rod‐like micelles.