Effect of xanthan gum and silica nanoparticles on improving foam properties of mixed solutions of short-chain fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants

Abstract The mixed dispersions of NPs, water-soluble polymer xanthan gum (XG), anionic hydrocarbon surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS]), and nonionic fluorocarbon surfactant (FS-50) were prepared by using an ultrasonic dispersion instrument to investigate the enhancement mechanism of NPs on the foam properties of surfactant. The molecular interactions, foamability, and foam stability of the mixed dispersions were comprehensively studied. Results suggested that the addition of XG resulted in an evident change of micelles from wormlike and spherical to threadlike in the solutions of FS-50/SDS. The foaming ability and foam stability of mixed dispersions were significantly affected by NPs and XG concentration. XG could better enhance foam stability of FS-50/SDS solutions compared with NPs, but lead to rapid decrease in foaming ability. NPs could enhance foaming ability and foam stability of FS-50/SDS solutions. Performance-enhanced foam, including foaming ability and foam stability, could be obtained by controlling the addition of XG and NP concentration.