Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance of a Novel Polymeric Cationic Surfactant Based on Low Molecular Weight Chitosan and 3-Chloro-2-Hydroxypropyl Dimethyl Dehydroabietyl Ammonium Chloride (CHPDMDHA)

A series of novel polymeric cationic surfactants based on low molecular weight chitosan (LWCS) and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl dimethyl dehydroabietyl ammonium chloride (CHPDMDHA), LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA, were obtained by the grafting modification of LWCS with CHPDMDHA as grafting agent. The structure of LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA was confirmed by FT-IR and H-1 NMR, and the degree of quaternizing substitution (DS) of LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA was determined according to the results of elemental analysis. The aggregation behavior and surface activities of LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA in aqueous solution were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and determination of surface tension, respectively. The experimental results showed that the DS and molecular weight (M (w)) of LWCS have significant influence on the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and the surface tensions at the CMC (gamma (cmc)). The shape of aggregates changed with the variation of concentration of LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA in aqueous solution. When the LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA was utilized as an emulsifier, the increase of DS of LWCS-g-CHPDMDHA and M (w) of LWCS were favorable for improving the stability of emulsions composed of water and benzene.