Synergistic relationship between Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Prime AG12

In our daily work at SmartLab, we have observed that adding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Prime AG12 to liquid soap formulations results in a good synergistic relationship. Learn more about this synergy in this article.

What is synergy?

Synergy is a term of Greek origin that means cooperation, referring to a joint effort of two or more things, people, or compounds to accomplish something complex with a result superior to that obtained in isolation.

In chemistry, this refers to the combination of two or more products that, when mixed, create new characteristics and provide improved formulation performance. We, researchers at Macler's SmartLab, are always searching for new products and new synergies.

However, synergy is not achieved through random mixtures. It is necessary to study different concentrations and applications of the products in order to find the best synergy for each objective. Different concentrations can bring different characteristics, such as greater cleaning power, greater foaming, and greater viscosity, among others.

Understand the synergy between Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Prime AG12

In the day-to-day operations of SmartLab, interesting results were observed by adding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Prime AG12 to liquid soap formulations. To deepen the understanding of this relationship, research was conducted to achieve and understand the best synergy between these two products.

The following aspects were evaluated in the studies: viscosity, foam stability, foam volume, and cleaning performance. For standardization, all formulations were fixed at 3% active ingredient. Concentration variations were also performed between products, using identical products as a comparison.

Viscosity evaluation

Regarding viscosity, it was observed that Prime AG12 is less soluble than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, reducing the required salt dosage in the formulation.

Furthermore, the combination provides greater viscosity than the two components used separately, at the same concentrations of active ingredient.

The viscosity graph below shows the variation in Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Prime AG12. It can also be observed that the addition of Prime AG12 to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate increases viscosity, representing the best ratio of active ingredients 50% Prime AG12 and 50% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

It is clear to see the strong synergy between these two surfactants, since, on their own, they have much lower viscosity than when combined in the right proportion.

Foam stability assessment

The second aspect analyzed was the stability of foam in a 2.5% w/w aqueous solution. The main objective was to observe the behavior and foam collapse over a period of 0 to 30 minutes.

In this case, it is noted that, to achieve foam stability, the best relationship between the two products is 25% Prime AG12 and 75% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Foam volume evaluation

The third object of study was the volume of foam, measured in Ross Miles using 0.15% solution. See the foaming graph:

It is noticeable that the volume in the relationship 25% Prime AG12 and 75% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate offers the best performance.

Evaluation of cleaning performance

The fourth object of study was cleaning performance, in which vegetable/animal dirt was used as a standard, simulating the dirt commonly found in Brazilian kitchens.

In this stage of the study, it was observed that the best relationship for cleaning is 50% Prime AG12 and 50% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

The best synergy for each objective.

Based on the tests performed, it is possible to determine the ideal concentration for each objective:

In addition to the results shown in this study, we can adopt intermediate ratios between 25% Prime AG12 and 75% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or 50%/50%, in order to obtain the ideal balance between all the parameters studied (stability and foam volume, viscosity and cleaning).

For us, the enormous importance of studying the synergistic relationships between surfactants is becoming increasingly evident. This is how we have been able to help our clients achieve unbeatable performance and cost results for over 20 years.

Count on our SmartLab experts to help you find the best synergy for your goals.