Abstract: The present invention contains methods, of making a cashew nutshell liquid alkoxylate sulfate surfactant by alkoxylation of a natural alkylphenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a sulfation reaction. The cashew nutshell liquid alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and cost effective method. The natural hydrophobe surfactant of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, wax, naphtenate, and for environmental cleanup. Further, the unsulfated version of the natural hydrophobe cardanol alkoxylate surfactant of the present invention can be used as ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant. Another advantage is that the composition is a renewable based surfactant that is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention contains methods, of making a cashew nutshell liquid alkoxylate carboxylate surfactant by alkoxylation of a natural alkylphenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a carboxymethylation reaction. The cashew nutshell liquid alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and cost effective method. The natural hydrophobe surfactant of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, wax, naphthenate, and for environmental cleanup. Another advantage is that the composition is a renewable based surfactant that is non-toxic and biodegradable.