The Influence of Newly Synthesized Demulsifiers on the Interfacial Rheological Properties of a Naturally Occurring Water/Oil Emulsion

[Image: see text] This research aimed to synthesize new polymeric nonionic demulsifiers (DA, DB, and DC) to break 50% of naturally occurring water/oil emulsions. The prepared demulsifiers were synthesized in only two stages utilizing simple techniques. (1)H and (13)CNMR, MS, and FTIR spectroscopies were performed to validate the chemical composition of the synthesized demulsifiers. The relative solubility number (RSN) and partition coefficient (K(p)) were determined for the three demulsifiers. The interfacial tension (IFT) and dehydration ratios of DA, DB, DC, and their triblock copolymers were investigated. Also, interfacial rheological properties for the three demulsifiers were measured. The findings demonstrate that DB possesses a higher RSN value than DA and DC owing to its hydrophilicity. DC exhibited the lowest IFT value compared to DA, DB, and their corresponding triblock copolymers. DB and DC are more effective in demulsifying than DA and triblock copolymers. DC achieved a 100% dehydration ratio at a low dosage of 75 ppm after 120 min. DC’s remarkable performance can be attributed to its aromatic core, molecular weight, and high interfacial activity. According to the rheological data, a higher dehydrating ratio is attained when the demulsifier has a great capacity to lower the viscoelasticity of the W/O emulsion interface. The maximum decrease in G′ and G″ values was attained by DC. The mechanism of DC’s demulsifying interaction on a naturally occurring W/O emulsion was elucidated.