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tensider

Tensider is a term used in chemistry and industry to refer to surface-active agents, commonly known as surfactants. The word is especially common in German- and Dutch-language literature, where tenside or tensider is the standard label for substances that act at interfaces between phases, such as oil and water. In English, the term is less common except within technical writings or specific brand or product line names.

Etymology and usage

The word tenside derives from surface tension, reflecting the core function of these compounds: to modify interfacial

Classification

Surfactants are commonly categorized by the charge of their ionic headgroup: anionic, cationic, nonionic, and zwitterionic.

Applications

Tensiders are foundational in household and industrial cleaners, personal care products, and food-processing aids. They reduce

Environmental and safety considerations

Surfactants vary in biodegradability and aquatic toxicity. Regulatory frameworks often encourage the use of readily biodegradable

See also: surfactants, detergents, interfacial science.

tension.
Surfactants
are
typically
amphiphilic,
containing
both
a
hydrophobic
tail
and
a
hydrophilic
head.
This
dual
nature
enables
them
to
accumulate
at
interfaces
and
alter
properties
such
as
wetting,
emulsification,
foaming,
and
dispersion.
Examples
include
sodium
lauryl
sulfate
(anionic),
cetyltrimethylammonium
chloride
(cationic),
nonionic
alkyl
polyglucosides,
and
zwitterionic
betaines.
Tensiders
can
be
used
alone
or
in
mixtures
with
builders,
enzymes,
and
other
additives
in
formulations.
surface
tension
to
improve
cleaning,
facilitate
emulsification
of
oils,
stabilize
foams
where
needed,
and
assist
in
dispersion
of
pigments
and
particles.
tensiders
and
careful
selection
of
ecological
profiles,
especially
in
rinse-off
and
wastewater
contexts.