Influence of surfactants on a pre-adsorbed cationic layer: Removal and modification

Removal of organic species from solid surfaces is a crucial process. The use oppositely charged surfactants provides potential method for enhanced removal. Neutron reflectometry has been used to investigate the complex behaviour pre-adsorbed and tenacious layer cationic surfactant didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) on mica surface, during exposure different in solution. anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was shown be able remove layer, but only if micelles were present To facilitate comparison with non-ionic surfactant, direct adsorption pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E5) also studied; low surface coverage seen at critical micelle concentration above. C12E5 then found not did include into some degree. presence however significantly modify surfactant.