What Are Surfactants? How They Work and Their Role in Cleaning Applications
Surfactants are everywhere, from dish soap and shampoos to food emulsifiers and herbicides. But what are they? In this video, Dr. Adam will explain surfactants—chemical compounds that reduce surface tension and form micelles to solubilize oils and greases.
He’ll explain how surfactants work with their two distinct parts: the hydrophobic end (water-repelling) that interacts with oils and the hydrophilic end (water-attracting) that dissolves in water. You’ll learn how surfactants lower surface tension by gathering at the air-water interface and how micelles trap oils, making residues easier to rinse away.
In electronics manufacturing, surfactants are vital for cleaning chemistries to penetrate tight spaces and dissolve hard-to-clean residues under low-standoff components. Whether for industrial cleaning or household products, surfactants play a crucial role in making cleaning more effective.