| Abstract: | The cleaning and washing power of surfactants is based on physicochemical effects. Of special importance is the emulsifying and dispersing capacity. While the emulsifying capacity describes the behaviour of two immiscible liquid phases, the dispersing capacity is a measure of how a liquid phase influences a solid phase. The interfacial tension is the most important parameter which characterizes the interaction between an aqueous surfactant solution and an oil. A quantitative evaluation of the affinity of a surfactant solution to a solid substrate occurs through the measurement of the absorbed quantities. A comparative discussion of the surfactant effect on both types of interfaces using the example of alkyl polyglycosides provides information about the property profile during the washing and cleaning process. |
