Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Crude Oil Dispersants Based on Ethoxylated Schiff Base

Schiff base prepared from salicylaldehyde and diethylene triamine was ethoxylated by poly (ethylene glycol) of different molecular weights, namely 200, 600, 1000 and 2000, by using beta, beta-dichlorodiethyl ether as a linking agent. The ethoxylation reaction took place at both ends of the base upon using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 200 and 600, whereas at one end when PEG 1000 and 2000 were used. The chemical structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by using IR and (HNMR)-H-1 spectroscopy. Thermodynamic parameters for micellization and adsorption or the prepared compounds were measured based on the surface tension of their solutions at different temperatures. Then, the compounds under investigation were tested as oil spill dispersants according to different standard test methods. It was found that the compounds with lower molecular weights of PEG showed the best dispersancy.