Thermophysical and bionotox properties of solvo-surfactants based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and glycerol

Thermophysical and bionotox properties of a new class of natural solvo-surfactants, glycerol 1-monoethers, were investigated in comparison with widespread but harmful glycol ethers. Vapour pressures and heats of vaporization were measured between 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C, and calculated thanks to two group contribution methods. Evaporation rates and Hansen parameters, evaluated from TGA measurements and group contributions respectively, were compared as well. Bionotox properties, i.e. cytotoxicity, irritating power and biodegradability, were evaluated experimentally. Glycerol 1-monoethers turned out to be less volatile than glycol derivatives, but contrary to the latter they will not be considered as VOCs. Toxicities and irritating powers are equivalent and increase with increasing alkyl chain length, i.e. with increasing amphiphilicity. Glycerol ethers are degradable at lower concentrations compared to glycol compounds, which is related to their higher interfacial activity.