Effects of acids and bases on salicylic acid-cetrimide systems

The effects of acids and bases on the viscosity of salicylic acid-cetrimide systems were investigated. A viscosity reduction was produced by the addition of acids and was independent of the degree of saturation of the cetrimide solution with salicylic acid. The incorporation of base followed by that of acid increased and decreased the viscosity, respectively. This viscosity behavior was demonstrated in undersaturated systems and was not goverened by the relative amounts of base or acid used. In oversaturated systems, only a lowering of viscosity was observed.