Surfactant properties of chemically modified chitooligosaccharides and their potential application in bitumen emulsions

Chitooligosaccharides with degree of polymerization from 5 to 15 have been modified with different lipophilic chains, from fatty epoxide to fatty acids. Their interfacial properties such as critical micellar concentrations, interfacial rheology and interfacial tension were studied to establish structure-properties relationships. Their ability to self-assemble as well as their micellar shape were assessed by light scattering (dynamic and static) and transmission electron microscopic analyses. Finally, their emulsion stabilities and rheological properties were evaluated with Turbiscan and allow the conclusion that 1% (w/w) DP10 oligomers modified with Tall oil fatty acid was able to stabilize oil in water emulsions (60/40 w/w) for at least 55 days.