Felületaktív

Felületaktív is the Hungarian term for surfactant. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids, between a gas and a liquid, or between a liquid and a solid. This property allows them to act as wetting agents, detergents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants. They are composed of a hydrophilic head, which is attracted to water, and a hydrophobic tail, which is repelled by water and attracted to oil or grease. This dual nature enables them to bridge the gap between immiscible substances, such as oil and water.

Surfactants are widely used in various industries. In household cleaning products, they help to lift and suspend dirt and grease. In personal care products like shampoos and soaps, they create lather and aid in cleansing. In the food industry, they are used as emulsifiers to stabilize mixtures like salad dressings and ice cream. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes surfactants in drug delivery systems to improve the absorption of medications. They also play a role in agriculture as wetting agents for pesticides and herbicides, and in the textile industry for dyeing and finishing fabrics. The specific properties of a surfactant depend on the chemical nature of its hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, leading to a wide variety of types with specialized applications.