Adsorption and onset of lubrication by a double-chained cationic surfactant on silica surfaces

TL;DR

This study investigates how a double-chained cationic surfactant induces lubrication on silica surfaces, revealing that lubrication onset is linked to bilayer formation rather than surface adsorption, with effects of ionic strength and shear rate analyzed.

Contribution

It demonstrates that lubrication arises from bilayer transition rather than surface excess, providing new insights into surfactant behavior under high-pressure conditions.

Findings

Lubrication correlates with defect-free bilayer formation.

Surface excess does not directly cause lubrication.

Ionic strength and shear rate influence bilayer transition.

Abstract

In the context of glass fiber manufacturing the onset of lubrication by a C18 double-chained cationic surfactant has been investigated at high normal contact pressures. Comparison with adsorption kinetics demonstrates that lubrication is not directly connected to the surfactant surface excess but originates from the transition to a defect-free bilayer which generates limited dissipation. The impact of ionic strength and shear rate has also been studied.