Surfactant titrations in difficult matrices without the restrictions on chloroform use present in the Epton method can be solved using the Surfactrode from Metrohm
Traditionally surfactant titrations have been performed using the classic Epton titration method.
This method, although universally accepted, has several restrictions associated with it.
Chloroform is used in this titration which is now deemed hazardous, and due to the nature of the titration it could not be automated.
Many electrodes have been designed to be used for this titration; some have been successful (and some not so successful!) Several electrodes appear to work very well in standard solutions but when cationic or anionic surfactants levels need to be determined in a complete formulation (eg washing powders, shampoo, conditioners) then this has proven extremely difficult.
The Surfactrode refill electrode has revolutionised surfactant analysis by being able to titrate in these difficult matrices even at high betain levels.
The chloroform has disappeared and has been replaced with a few millilitres of MIBK or heptane and water.
More importantly the results obtained correspond exactly to that of the Epton titration, and because of this the electrode has been accepted by the European and American test panels (ISO and ASTM) as the industry norm.
