Surfactants: The Secrets of Industrial Performance
Surfactants, also known as additives or sometimes “actives,” play a crucial role in a variety of products, from detergents to paints, and even in agrochemicals. Their use extends to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, provided they meet quality standards.
These products boast a range of properties that vary based on their chemical composition and application environment. They can act as wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, or even as leveling agents, stabilizers, or flocculants/deflocculants.
Many different chemistries are involved, but surfactants are generally categorized by their polarity. This helps determine their compatibility with the environment in which they are used.
To this end, PCB Chimie, a specialist in chemical solutions, offers:
Ethylene Oxide Derivatives (Non-Ionic)
Ethylene oxide derivatives, such as ethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated/propoxylated compounds, or block polymers, provide a wide range of expected properties for surfactants. They are soluble in various media and are used to optimize the performance and stability of formulations. Whether the chain is of natural or synthetic origin, this chemistry is “precise” and allows for positioning a molecule to meet a specific property.
Amphoterics
Amphoteric agents, such as betaines and dipropionates, often considered co-surfactants, offer advantages in formulations. They are generally stable over a wide pH range and provide stabilizing properties, sometimes acting as hydrotropes.
Amine Oxides
Amine oxides, though sometimes overlooked in household formulations, maintain their effectiveness and interest in professional formulations, particularly in products for cleaning smooth surfaces like stainless steel.
Alkyl Polyglucosides (APG)
Alkyl polyglucosides (APG), plant-based surfactants often derived from palm oil, offer a variety of properties such as wetting, emulsification, and hydrotropy. The growing demand for “natural” or “plant-based” formulations has driven their use and created a new approach for formulators. Multi-functional, they are considered from the beginning of the formulation process and complemented by other chemistries.
Cationics
Beyond biocides like BKC and DDAC, cationics impart softness and lubricating properties to the surfaces they are applied to. For instance, they are found in fabric softeners, shampoos, and conditioners, as well as in packaging chain lubricants.
Anionics
Perhaps the most common, anionics are used for their wetting, foaming, and resulting detergent properties. They are used as additives in certain media to fluidize and even emulsify.
In conclusion, surfactants play an essential role in a wide range of industrial products, offering solutions to optimize performance, stability, and the appearance of formulations.
Contact us, and we will guide you in choosing the right surfactant(s).