Other Names:
Surface-Active Agents, Emulsifiers, Detergents, Wetting Agents, Dispersants
Specification Summary
- Purity: 95–99.9% (varies by type and application)
- Form: Liquid, powder, granules, or paste
- CAS No.: 151-21-3
- Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
- Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol
Product Description
Surfactants are amphiphilic compounds with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (oil-loving) tail. They appear as clear liquids, white powders, or waxy solids, depending on the type. Soluble in water, oils, or organic solvents, they reduce surface tension between immiscible phases (e.g., oil-water). Most surfactants are non-corrosive, with pH ranging from 2–12 (varies by class: anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic). They exhibit low volatility, thermal stability up to 150°C, and tunable hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) for tailored applications.
Surfactants Specification Table
| Property | Value/Range | Notes |
| Surface Tension Reduction | 25–50 mN/m | Measured at 0.1% concentration |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.1–10 mM | Varies by molecular structure |
| HLB Value | 1–20 | Determines oil/water affinity |
| pH Range | 2–12 | Anionic (alkaline), cationic (acidic) |
| Cloud Point (Nonionics) | 30–100°C | ISO 1065/ASTM D2024 |
| Viscosity (Liquid Forms) | 10–500 mPa·s | Brookfield method |
| Solubility | Water, oils, organic solvents | Depends on HLB and polarity |
| Foam Height (0.1% solution) | 50–200 mm | Ross-Miles test |
| Biodegradability | 60–100% | OECD 301 standards |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, providing detailed mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, as well as processing guidelines for polystyrene
Application Sectors and Industries of Surfactants
Detergents & Cleaning Products
Surfactants emulsify grease in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids, enhancing soil removal. They stabilize foams in hand soaps and reduce water hardness in industrial cleaners.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Used in shampoos, lotions, and creams to improve texture, foaming, and moisture retention. Sulfate-free surfactants (e.g., glucosides) cater to sensitive skin formulations.
Oil & Gas Recovery
In enhanced oil recovery (EOR), surfactants reduce interfacial tension in reservoirs, mobilizing trapped crude. They also prevent pipeline corrosion and hydrate formation.
Agriculture
Emulsify pesticides for uniform spray coverage. Improve nutrient absorption in liquid fertilizers and act as wetting agents in hydrophobic soils.
Pharmaceuticals
Stabilize emulsions in topical creams and injectables. Enhance drug solubility via micelle formation in oral medications.
Textile Processing
Serve as dye-leveling agents and fabric softeners. Reduce static in synthetic fibers and improve dye penetration in natural fabrics.
Paints & Coatings
Disperse pigments evenly in water-based paints. Reduce brush drag and enhance adhesion to substrates like metal or plastic.
Food Processing
Emulsify dressings, margarine, and ice cream. Lecithin-based surfactants improve dough handling in baked goods.
Construction
Act as air-entraining agents in concrete for freeze-thaw resistance. Stabilize asphalt emulsions in road paving.
Environmental Remediation
Mobilize oil spills for biodegradation. Remediate contaminated soils by solubilizing hydrophobic pollutants.
Packaging Types
- 25 kg Bags: Moisture-resistant packaging for powdered surfactants like SLES or SLS.
- 200 kg Drums: Sealed HDPE or steel drums for liquid surfactants (e.g., ethoxylated alcohols).
- IBC Totes (1,000 liters): Cost-effective for high-volume industrial users.
- Bulk Tankers: Insulated stainless-steel trailers for large-scale chemical plants.
- 5 kg Jars: For R&D or specialty applications (e.g., zwitterionic surfactants).
Surfactants are indispensable in modern industry, enabling everything from household cleaning to advanced oil recovery. Their ability to tailor interfacial properties ensures optimized performance across diverse sectors. For formulation-specific HLB guidance, regulatory compliance, and safety data, request the downloadable TDS.
