ISSN:
1435-1536
Keywords:
Bioemulsifier
;
interfacial activity
;
emulsification
;
hydrocarbons
;
alkanols
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract The biopolymer emulsan, which forms stable emulsions with mixtures of aliphatic and cyclic (or aromatic) hydrocarbons in water, does not emulsify aliphatic hydrocarbons alone [1–4]. Monohydric primary alcohols from hexanol to dodecanol were shown to enhance the formation of pure aliphatic hydrocarbon/water emulsions under conditions of mild agitation. Enhancement was a function of emulsan concentration and was proportional to alkanol concentration (5×10−5 M to 2.5x10−4 M) at constant bioemulsifier concentration (0.05 mg/ml). Enhancement of emulsification was also found when aqueous solutions of diethanolamine and phenethyl alcohol (5 to 30×10−3 M) were substituted for the primary alcohols. None of these substances emulsified hexadecane or othern-alkanes in the absence of the biopolymer. The strongest enhancement of emulsification (3-fold) was observed with tetra- and hexadecane. At alkanol concentrations optimal for enhancement of emulsification, no significant lowering of hexadecane/ emulsan/water interfacial tension was observed. The possibility of a direct association of alkanols with the emulsan in solution, resulting in altered conformation of biopolymer and modification of its specificity toward hydrocarbons, is discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01414956
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