Surface-tension properties of novel phosphocholine-based fluorinated surfactants

Surface- and interface-tension properties of novel fluorinated surfactants containing a phosphocholine group were studied using the Wilhelmy and spinn ing-drop methods. Using a conventional cationic fluorinated surfactant, we found that the values coming from the Wilhelmy method are not always accura te due to the effect of the wetting angle. The novel fluorinated surfactant s show high surface activity not only in water but also in organic solvents such as m-xylene and methanol. They seem to be more effective in reducing the surface tension at low pH values. The novel fluorinated surfactants are also effective in reducing the interfacial tension between water and hydro carbon oil. (C) 2001 Academic Press.