Chapter 3. Surface Activity and Surfactant Structures
Published Online: 28 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0471234990.ch3
Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Book Title
Surfaces, Interfaces, and Colloids: Principles and Applications, Second Edition
Additional Information
How to Cite
Myers, D. (2002) Surface Activity and Surfactant Structures, in Surfaces, Interfaces, and Colloids: Principles and Applications, Second Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, USA. doi: 10.1002/0471234990.ch3
Publication History
- Published Online: 28 APR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471330608
Online ISBN: 9780471234999
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- surface activity;
- surfactant structures;
- surfactant classification;
- hydrophilic;
- hydrophobic;
- solubilizing groups;
- hydrophobic groups;
- economic impact;
- environmental impact;
- biodegradation
Summary
Chapter 3 presents an introduction to the concepts of surface activity and the molecular characteristics of molecules that exhibit surfactant properties. The discussion includes the chemical requirements for surface activity, the general structures of most common surfactant types, surfactant classification schemes, basics routes for the synthesis of surfactants, primary surfactant raw materials, and a summary of the building blocks for the creation of a surfactant molecular structure. It also includes a brief introduction to the economic importance of surfactants and their environmental impact.