Surfactants

Question 1

Describe strong Anionic surfactants

Answer 1

good cleaning and foaming properties, typically primary surfactant, Incompatible with cationic. ie alkyl sulphates.

Question 2

Describe mild Anionic surfactants

Answer 2

Typically gentle, reasonable foaming, not affected by hard water. ie alkyl phosphate

Question 3

Describe cationic surfactants

Answer 3

Used for the conditioning effect, don’t foam well or remove grease efficiently. ie esters, dialkyl

Question 4

Describe Amphoteric surfactants

Answer 4

• Compatible with all classes of surfactants
• Non-irritating to the eyes
• Increase manageability of hair
• Often used in combination with anionics
• Betaines: modify viscosity, boost foam, cheap
• Examples: alkyl betaines, cocobetaine

Question 5

Describe non-ionic surfactant

Answer 5

Popular surfactants, generally compatible with all classes of surfactants

• Very mild, reduce irritancy profile of product
• Often used in combination with ionic surfactants as co-surfactants
• Rheology modifiers, emulsifiers, wetting & dispersing agents and solubilizers for insoluble components

ie alcohol ethoxylate