Abstract: This paper selects foam stabilizers based on the alpha-olefin sulfonate foaming system. Polyacrylamide and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with average molecular weight (MW) of 3 million, 10 million, and 2 million to 14 million play the tackifying role. Octanol and dodecanol strengthen the liquid film. With the foam stabilizer added to the foaming system, the foaming properties are studied, including stability and oil-water interfacial tension. The results show that polyacrylamide reduces foaming capacity and stability of the foam system, and increases the oil-water interfacial tension. CMC enhances foam stability in appropriate concentrations. Alcohol seriously affects the foam system under the experimental conditions.

Key words: alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyacrylamide, stability, foaming system