Polymer-Cationic Surfactant Interaction: 1. Surface and Physicochemical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-S-Alkyl Isothiouronium Bromide Surfactant Mixed Systems

Surface properties of polyvinyl alcohol (nonionic polymer) and three synthesized cationic surfactants, namely, S-alkyl isothiouronium bromide at different mole fractions of 1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 9:1, were investigated. The values of the surface parameters were discussed according to the type of interaction between the cationic surfactant and type of polymer studied. The S-alkyl isothiouronium bromide surfactant molecules are positively charged molecules, and the PVA chains contain hydroxyl groups that are partially negatively charged centers. The comparison between the surface properties of the individual cationic surfactants and their mixture with PVA polymer showed that the mixed systems have some advantages over the individual cationic surfactants.