The Influence of Surfactants on Diesel Water Shedding Properties

The properties of emulsions formed when water contacts low sulfur diesel fuel supplemented with indigenous surfactants or chemical additives was studied. Small amounts of the additives were found to have dramatic effects on the stabilization or breaking of the emulsions formed during ASTM D-1094 testing. Dynamic interfacial tension measurements were also recorded to determine the influence of the surfactants on the ?nterfacial film surrounding the water droplets in the emulsions. The results of both the ASTM test and the interfacial tension measurements were compared.