Interactions of bio-sourced surfactants and fragrances

1. Context: One of Unilever's core aims is to convert to bio-based, renewable and biodegradable raw materials. Surfactants and fragrances are no exception, and alternatives to petrochemical based surfactants and fragrances are urgently needed which deliver sustainability, cost competitiveness and superior performance for use in home and personal care (HPC) products.

2. Aim: 1) To study and understand the behaviour of novel bio-sourced surfactants and fragrances in solution, which will ultimately help Unilever to facilitate the development of more sustainable formulations for future cleaning products.

3. Objectives: 1) Develop a model to predict how simple surfactants and fragrances assemble in dilute solution; 2) Apply the model to bio-sourced surfactants and fragrances; and 3) Compare their fundamental properties for cleaning formulations (packing parameters, micro and nanostructure of the formulations, compatibility with other formulation ingredients, rheology, surface tension, conductivity, wettability etc.)

4. The potential applications of this research are in the development of more sustainable cleaning product formulations.

5. The benefit of this research are environmental causes (achieving Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12 of Global Goals of Sustainable Development).

6. The research is therefore relevant to the goals of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and Unilever Global IP Limited.