Thermophysical and bionotox properties of solvo-surfactants based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and glycerol

Abstract

Thermophys. and bionotox properties of a new class of natural solvo-surfactants, glycerol 1-monoethers, were investigated in comparison with widespread but harmful glycol ethers. Vapor pressures and heats of vaporization were measured between 25 °C and 50 °C, and calcd. thanks to two group contribution methods. Evapn. rates and Hansen parameters, evaluated from TGA measurements and group contributions resp., were compared as well. Bionotox properties, i.e. cytotoxicity, irritating power and biodegradability, were evaluated exptl. Glycerol 1-monoethers turned out to be less volatile than glycol derivs., but contrary to the latter they will not be considered as VOCs. Toxicities and irritating powers are equiv. and increase with increasing alkyl chain length, i.e. with increasing amphiphilicity. Glycerol ethers are degradable at lower concns. compared to glycol compds., which is related to their higher interfacial activity.