Oberflächenaktives

Oberflächenaktive, often shortened to "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 detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants. Surfactants are amphiphilic molecules, meaning they possess both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) "head" and a lipophilic or hydrophobic (oil-attracting or water-repelling) "tail." This dual nature allows them to orient themselves at interfaces, with the hydrophilic head in the water and the hydrophobic tail in the oil or air.

When surfactants are added to water containing oil, they surround the oil droplets. The hydrophobic tails turn inward, away from the water, forming a micelle around the oil. The hydrophilic heads remain on the outside, in contact with the water. This process, known as emulsification, helps to disperse the oil evenly throughout the water, preventing them from separating.

Surfactants are widely used in various industries and everyday products. In household cleaning products like detergents and soaps, they help lift and suspend dirt and grease. In the food industry, they are used as emulsifiers to stabilize mixtures like mayonnaise and salad dressings. Cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, lotions, and toothpastes, also extensively utilize surfactants for their cleansing, foaming, and moisturizing properties. In agriculture, surfactants are employed as wetting agents to improve the spread and penetration of pesticides and herbicides. Their ability to modify surface properties makes them indispensable in numerous applications.