Surfactants

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Surfactants

Surfactants (pronounced: sur-FAK-tants), also known as surface-active agents, are compounds that lower the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.

Etymology

The term "surfactant" is a blend of "surface active agent". It was coined in 1950 by Antara Products, a company in the United States.

Types of Surfactants

There are four main types of surfactants, classified according to the polar head group:

Applications

Surfactants are used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to:

Health and Safety

Some surfactants can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, and may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. It is important to handle surfactants with care and to follow safety guidelines.

See Also

External links

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