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Magic Molecules Surfactants in Action

Team Chemical Market

29 Feb 2024

• Anionic Surfactant -  They posses a positively charged head group when dissolved in water. Examples include Sodium Lauryl Sulphate ( SLS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). They are used in body washes, laundry detergents, toothpaste, and shampoos.
   
• Cationic Surfactant -  Characterized by a positively charged head when dissolved in water, examples include Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). They are frequently employed as emulsifiers in personal care products like hair conditioners and fabric softeners.
   
• Non-Ionic surfactants - They do not carry a net charge when dissolved in water. Examples include Polysorbate 20 and Alkyl poly glucosides ( APGs). They are milder on the skin and cause less irritation compared to Anionic and Cationic Surfactants. Used as an emulsifier in cosmetics, medical care, and pharmaceutical products.
  
  Another important Surfactant is Sorbitan Monostearate which is derived from Sorbitol and Stearic acid. Also known as Span 60, it is an emulsifier and a stabilizer. Used in ice cream production, the emulsifier distributes the fat molecules evenly, resulting in an even texture and preventing the formation of ice crystals. Stabilizers prevent the melting of the ice cream too quickly.   
   
• Amphoteric Surfactants - They have both positive and negatively charged functional groups in their molecules.  One example is Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), utilized as a foam booster in mild cleansing formulations like baby shampoos, face cleansers,  and hand soaps.
   
• Biodegradable Surfactant - These surfactants can be broken down into simple compounds by natural processes. They reduce the Environmental impact of Surfactant usage.  Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs), used in household cleaners are an example. Other prime examples are some ethoxylated surfactants, used in pharmaceuticals as emulsifiers, stabilizers, personal lubricants, and spermicides.

• Alcohols - Both natural and synthetic types, including Fatty lauryl and  Cetyl alcohol.
• Fatty acids - Derived from natural sources from vegetable oils and animal fats for the production of lauric, oleic, and stearic acids.
• Sulfur trioxide - Including its derivatives and with the process of sulphonation, a category of sulphonated Surfactants is produced.
• Alkyl Halides - Bromides and chlorides of this group are used in the synthesis of  Cationic Surfactants.
• Amine Compounds - Alkinolamines are used in the production of amphoteric Surfactants.
• Sodium and Potassium Hydroxides - Used in the process of saponification, these alkalis are combined with fatty acids to synthesize soap-based Surfactants.