The effect of homolog distribution on sodium alcohol sulfate solution viscosity

Several compositional factors influence the viscosity of fatty alcohol sulfate solutions. The effects of free oil and inorganic salts on viscosity are known by most sulfators. Each builds viscosity as its level is increased. The relation between viscosity and alkyl sulfate homolog distribution is more subtle and often overlooked. Some synthetic alcohol manufacturers have the flexibility within the coconut alcohol range to vary the lauryl, myristyl, and cetyl alcohol composition. Mixtures containing high lauryl and cetyl alcohol content yielded alkyl sulfates having low viscosities. Mixtures of lauryl and myristyl alcohol gave high viscosity alkyl sulfates. When restricted to compositions containing all three alcohols, the viscosity of the sodium alkyl sulfate derivative was shown to be dependent on the myristyl sulfate content. Solutions having high myristyl sulfate levels had high viscosities. A. limited solubility study of different sodium lauryl, myristyl, and cetyl alcohol sulfate solutions was made.