The Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value for a surfactant describes its chemical hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. Blending 2 surfactants can result in a mixture with certain target properties. The HLB values of 2 surfactants are additive, which simplifies the blending.
HLB for a Surfactant |
Surfactant Activity |
1 to 3 |
antifoaming agent |
3 to 6 |
emulsifier |
7 to 9 |
wetting agent |
8 to 13 |
emulsifier |
13 to 15 |
detergent or emulsifier |
15 to 18 |
solubilizing agent or emulsifier |
18 to 20 |
solubilizing agent |
Final Mixture HLB and Volume Known
Parameters:
(1) HLB for final mixture
(2) volume of final mixture in mL
(3) HLB for first surfactant
(4) HLB for final surfactant
(HLB for final mixture) * (final volume in mL) =
= ((HLB for first surfactant) * (volume for first surfactant in mL)) + ((HLB for second surfactant) * ((final volume in mL) – (volume for first surfactant in mL)))
volume for first surfactant =
= (((HLB for final mixture) * (final volume in mL)) – ((final volume in mL) * (HLB for second surfactant))) / ((HLB for first surfactant) – (HLB for second surfactant))
volume for second surfactant =
= (final volume of mixture) – (volume of first surfactant)
Volume of Each Surfactant Known
If the volumes of each starting surfactant is known, then the HLB for the mixture is:
HLB of final mixture =
= (((HLB for first surfactant) * (volume of first surfactant)) + ((HLB for second surfactant) * (volume for second surfactant))) / ((volume of first surfactant) + (volume of second surfactant))
Specialty: Pharmacology, clinical