The molecular mechanism for destabilization of foams by organic ions

The effect of tetraalkylammonium ions on the destabilization of foam has been studied by measuring the half-life of foam (τ1/2), area/molecule at the air/water interface, surface viscosity and critical micelle concentration (CMC) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The area/molecule of SDS in organic salt solutions, calculated from the Gibbs isotherm, increases as the size of organic ion increases, and surface viscosity of the film decreases with the size of organic ions. The interaction of tetraalkylammonium ions with SDS decreases the CMC of the solution, and hence the concentration of SDS monomers decreases. The CMC of SDS decreases with the increase in the size and concentration of organic ions. The decrease in the CMC, increase in the area/molecule of SDS at the air/water interface and the decrease in surface viscosity by tetraalkylammonium ions all work to decrease the foam stability. The results indicate that the change in intermolecular distance between surfactant molecules in the adsorbed film by organic ions can significantly influence the surface viscosity and foam stability. The foam destabilizing efficiency of tetra-alkylammonium ions was superior or equivalent to that of tributyl phosphate and 2-ethyl hexanol, which are used in many antifoaming formulations.