Surfactants

Organic compounds with a hydrophilic (attracted by water) head and a hydrophobic (repelled by water) end. Surfactants reduce the surface tension of water by adsorbing at the air-water interface. They also reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water by adsorbing at the liquid-liquid interface. Surfactants are the main components of cleaning products.

Glossary Term Name

Legacy NID

3870

Legacy VID

10891