The main functions of surfactants

The main functions of surfactants are:

1, dispersion effect: dust and dirt particles and other solid particles are simply gathered together, simple settlement in water, the surfactant molecules can make the solid particle assembly divided into fine particles, so that its dispersion suspended in solution, to promote the effect of uniform dispersion of solid particles.

2. Emulsification effect: the comprehensive affinity of hydrophilic and oil-philic groups in the surfactant molecules to oil or water. Based on experience, the HLB value scale of surfactants is limited to 0-40, and the HLB value of non-ionic types is limited to 0-20.

3, foaming and defoaming effect, foam effect: the composition of the foam is mainly the directional adsorption effect of the active agent, which is caused by the decrease in the external tension between the gas and liquid phases. Generally, low molecular active agent is simple foaming, polymer active agent is less foaming, carmyristate yellow foaming is high, sodium stearate foaming is poor, anionic active agent foaming and foam stability is better than non-ionic type, such as sodium alkyl benzene sulfonate foaming is very strong.

4, disinfection, sterilization: in the pharmaceutical industry can be used as sterilization agents and disinfectants, the sterilization and disinfection effect attributed to their strong interaction with bacterial biofilm proteins to denature or lose function, these disinfectants have a relatively large solubility in water, according to the application concentration, can be used for skin disinfection before surgery, trauma or mucous membrane disinfection, instrument disinfection and environmental disinfection;

5, cleaning, washing effect: Removing grease and dirt is a relatively complex process, it is related to the above mentioned wet, foaming and other effects. Detergents usually participate in a variety of auxiliary ingredients, increase the wet effect on the cleaned object, and have the functions of foaming, whitening, occupying the cleaning surface and not being contaminated again.

6, the role of surfactants in the chemical industry: first, solubilization; Second, emulsification; Third, wetting effect; 4. Supporting suspension effect; 5. Foaming and defoaming effect; 6. Disinfection and sterilization; Seven, cleaning, washing effect.