Investigation of Cost-Effective Alternative Materials For Dispersant Effectiveness Tests

Abstract

Currently, researchers are investigating the effectiveness of several potential dispersant blends consisting of food-grade surfactants, Lecithin, Tween-80, and Span-80, in order to replace commonly used marine oil dispersants that may pose environmental harm. The effectiveness of these blends is explored using phase boundary determination and the EPA's baffled flask test which examine the ability of a surfactant to form stable oil-water dispersions. However, when introducing and exploring this facet of green chemistry at a high school or general chemistry level, the accessibility of specialized instruments, apparatus, and materials is limited. This project investigated the potential of dish soap and laundry detergent to provide a cost-effective alternative to Tween-80 and Span-80. Similarities in results from the baffled flask tests and phase boundary determination tests demonstrated that dish soap and laundry detergent were found to be suitable cost-effective alternatives to Tween-80 and Span-80 for high school and general chemistry teaching laboratories. However, given the ongoing nature of this project, these are only preliminary conclusions and should not be cited.