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- Functions of Surfactants
Functions of Surfactants
The process of development of new surfactants is based on our expertise in colloid chemical and organic synthesis.
- Solubilization
- Emulsification
- Dispersion
- Foaming/Foam Extinguishing
- Biological Activity
- Lubrication
- Surface Treatment
- Emulsion Polymerization
- Detergency
Solubilization
Solubilization technology uses surfactants to allow insoluble or poorly soluble substances to be incorporated into liquids sustainably.
Examples of solubilized preparations include:
- Cosmetics - Fragrances, vitamin derivatives, and oils in aqueous lotions and toners
- Pharmaceuticals - Active ingredients and other poorly soluble components in topical drugs, ointments, injection liquids, nutraceutical drinks, and mouthwashes
- Foods - Flavors, vitamins, and other active components in drinks
- Home Care - Fragrances into air-care and household products
- Other - Monomers in inks, oils in anti-rust products
Emulsification
Emulsions refer to stable mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids where one liquid (the "dispersed" phase) is dispersed into the other (the "continuous" phase).
Example preparations include:
- Cosmetics/Pharmaceuticals - Water-in-oil (W/O), oil-in-water (O/W), multiple preparations (W/O/W, O/W/O), microemulsions, and liposomes for topical creams and lotions
- Foods - Mayonnaise, margarine, sauces, dairy products
- Home Care - Cleansing waxes, polishers
- Other - Emulsion-type inks and paints
Dispersion
Dispersions refer to general systems in which a single type of particle - solid, liquid, or gas - is mixed evenly into a "continuous" phase of another particle.
Examples include:
- Cosmetics - Solid components (UV filters, pigments, powders) in makeup products, such as lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, and skincare products (sunscreens)
- Pharmaceuticals - Active ingredients and powders in medical drugs
- Foods - Chocolate
- Other - Pigments and colorants in inks and paints, cement liquefying blends
Foaming/Foam Extinguishing
Foaming systems consist of gas bubbles trapped in a liquid or solid, while foam extinguishers refer to substances and blends that destabilize and reduce foam.
Examples include:
- Cosmetics - Shampoos, body and face washes, hair coloring products
- Oral Care - Toothpaste and mouthwashes
- Home/Industrial - Detergents and cleaning products for use at home, including for washing food and dishes, or on industrial equipment
- Foods - Confectioneries including whipped creams, mousses, sponge cakes
Biological Activity
Some surfactants are said to show biological activity when they
influence the condition of the human organism, An example is through changes in the structure of cell membrane and in the production of lipids and proteins. Often, natural surfactants resemble substances found in the human body and are considered safer than synthetic surfactants.
Examples of surfactants with biological activity include:
- Natural surfactants - Lecithin derivatives and phytosterols for safe, low-irritation skincare
Lubrication
Lubrication technology reduces friction and thus the wear of surfaces by locating lubricating oils and surfactants between surfaces moving in close proximity.
Examples of lubrication include:
- Cosmetics - Smooth, easy-to-apply hair care and skincare products
- Industrial - Various lubrication preparations
- Other - Easy-to-apply inks and paints
Surface Treatment
Surface treatment refers to various industrial processes that alter the surface properties of a material, including repellency/adhesion to water and other substances, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, hardness, friction, and general appearance.
Examples include:
- Cosmetics - Treated powders with hydrophilic/lipophilic properties used in skincare and makeup
- Industrial - Various industrial surface preparations
- Other - Polishes and waxes for home care and automobile care, anti-corrosion preparations
Emulsion Polymerization
Emulsion polymerization involves the polymerization of water, monomer, and surfactant. This technology is used in various industries to manufacture synthetic polymers such as rubbers and latex.
Detergency
Detergents are surfactants or mixtures of surfactants that remove dirt, grease, proteins, and other types of contamination from various surfaces. They are commonly used as cleaning products on anything, from clothing fabrics to household appliances and industrial equipment.
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