Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: ‘Greener’ Surfactants from Bio-Based Waste as Efficient Alternatives to Nonylphenols Ethoxylates
EPA Grant Number: SU835549Title: ‘Greener’ Surfactants from Bio-Based Waste as Efficient Alternatives to Nonylphenols Ethoxylates
Investigators: Nagarajan, Ramaswamy , Bavishi, Vishal , Chittigori, Joshna , Magaletta, Michael , Mohd Aris, Zarif Farhana
Institution: University of Massachusetts - Lowell
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: II
Project Period: August 15, 2013 through August 14, 2015
Project Amount: $90,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2013) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The surfactant industry often uses terms such as 'natural or green surfactants' to indicate the presence of bio-based ingredients in their product lines. However, the industry still heavily relies on petrochemical feedstock and harsh chemical synthesis for the manufacture of surfactants. Most commercially available surfactants are either non-biodegradable or degrade to produce more toxic products [for example Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)]. There is significant interest in the development of 'greener' and safer surfactants preferably using renewable feedstock. The objective of this research was to develop non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants using 'safer' materials and methods in accordance to principles of 'green chemistry and engineering'.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
In phase I, the P3 Team accomplished the synthesis of a novel class of polysaccharide-based surfactants based on Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) derived from fruit waste and Alginic acid derived from algae. These surfactants exhibited surface-active properties and cleaning efficacy comparable to that of commercial surfactants such as Triton X-100, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) in aqueous media with water hardness concentration below 200 ppm. PGA based surfactants exhibited gelling behavior with water hardness above 300 ppm. Further work was required to improve properties of these surfactants. Those properties include improving solubility, gelling and cleaning ability towards oily type dirt.
Conclusions:
By modifying Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) derived from fruit waste and Alginic acid derived from algae, the possibility of creating polymeric surfactants was demonstrated. These surfactants reduce the surface (water/air interface) and interfacial tension (water/oil interface) of water. These surfactants exhibit comparable cleaning efficacy compared to the commercial surfactants in water with low hardness.
Proposed Phase II Objectives and Strategies:
- Synthesize surfactant derivatives with improved properties, ensuring better cleaning efficiency of hydrophobic dirt/soil, increased water solubility & improve stability in hard water.
- Scale-up using microwave-assisted synthetic route.
- Demonstrate commercial viability in a product formulation such as laundry detergent.
- Perform dermal toxicity, biodegradability and life cycle assessment.
Outcomes:
- Synthesized and characterized surfactant derivatives with improved surface activity and stability in hard water by pegylation as well as hydrophobic modification of pectin.
- Synthesized surfactant derivatives based on low molecular weight pectin functionalized with alkyl chains with varying lengths (C4, C6, C8).
- Demonstrated commercial viability in a product formulation (laundry detergent) using 'Tergotometer'
- Performed toxicity and biodegradability evaluation with this new class of surfactants. These polysaccharides based surfactants are significantly less toxic compared to commercial surfactants. They are also 'ultimately biodegradable' in accordance to OECD 301D method for biodegradation evaluation.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 7 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
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Mohd Aris ZF, Bouldin RM, Pelletier MGH, Gaines P, Nagarajan R. Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of hydrophilically functionalized polygalacturonic acid. Carbohydrate Polymers 2017;155:432-439. |
SU835549 (Final) SU835342 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
Bio-derived, soaps, detergents, renewable feedstock, non-toxicRelevant Websites:
Green Biosurfactants Program - UML Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractP3 Phase I:
‘Greener’ Surfactants from Bio-based Waste as Efficient Alternatives to Nonylphenol Ethoxylates | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.