Interactions between linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and water hardness ions. I. Effect of calcium ion on surfactant solubility and implications for detergency performance

This paper examines the interactions of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) surfactants with calcium ions. Calcium sulfonate precipitation boundary diagrams are given which provide a convenient way to study these interactions over a wide range of surfactant and hardness ion levels. Some implications of these interactions for detergency performance are discussed.