Probing properties of green surfactant-based formulation by combining scattering and rheology: The case study of cocoyl methyl glucamide

Green surfactants, categorized as biobased and biosurfactants, pose formulation challenges due to their compositional variability and biodegradability. Our work addresses these challenges in formulating a hard surface cleaning spray. We utilize glucamide surfactants with a high renewable carbon index (RCI=95 %), incorporating limonene as both solvent and perfume. Additionally, the concept of formulating a concentrated "juice" is explored. A partial phase diagram guides our formulations, and rheology and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) pinpoint the optimal dilution line. Our concentrated formula exhibits liquid crystalline phases, offering potential applications in gel-like tablets. Performance evaluations against a market product reveal mixed results, indicating the need for further optimization. The study emphasizes a formulation minimalism approach, aligning with modern trends. It showcases the potential of green surfactants, providing insights into their behavior under varying concentrations and paving the way for environmentally friendly cleaning solutions.