Winsor-IV type microemulsions possess a highly efficient ability for rapid wetting/penetrating lignocellulosic biomass based on their ultralow surface tension and kinematic viscosity. In the present study, a cost-competitive surfactant-oil-water (SOW) system, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/pentanol/water/sodium chloride/dodecane system was selected and reasonable formulations for Winsor-IV type microemulsions under fixed surfactant concentration were acquired by applying a novel and efficient titration method. Compared with the traditional phase behavior scanning method, this method was designed by optimizing the ratio between the quantity of surfactant and co-surfactant. Later, prepared microemulsions with relatively low surface tensions or kinematic viscosities were screened out for comparison of their respective abilities in wood penetration and also for investigation of the synergistic effects between surface tension and kinematic viscosity.

Preparation of highly efficient Winsor-IV type  microemulsions for rapid wood penetration

249th National Meeting (2015)

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