INTERACTIONS BETWEEN AN ETHOXY-NONYL-PHENOL AND A POLYACRYLAMIDE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS

Micellization of an ethoxylated nonylphenol in the presence of a parti ally hydrolyzed polyacrylamide was studied. The experimental results d efinitely proved that the presence of a highly hydrophilic polymer in aqueous solution of non-ionic surfactants has only a negligible effect on the micelle structure and the mechanism of micelle formation. The presence of surfactant strengthens the particulate character of the po lymer solutions, while over the critical polymer concentration the net work structure is stabilized by the tenside. Thus, we can also conclud e that the presence of polymer, depending on its concentration, may ha ve different effects on micellization process of ethoxylated nonylphen ols. This positive fact and the other factors characterizing the polym er-surfactant interactions may contribute considerably to better under standing of the displacement mechanism in oil bearing porous media, fo rmulation of the flooding system and selection of the best candidates for chemical enhanced oil recovery methods.