Surfactants and Micelle Formation

Abstract

As mentioned in Chapter 1, there can be thousands of molecules with polar heads and nonpolar tails, usable as surfactants. The applications are also many. Thus, the commercial anionic surfactants, recording about 50% of all surfactant production, are literally “used all over the place”: shampoos, dishwashing detergents and washing powders are some common examples. Cationic surfactants likewise are used in hair-conditioners, fabric softeners, asphalt coating, corrosion inhibitor formulations for metal surfaces etc. The major applications of non-ionic surfactants are in the areas of food and drinks, as also pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants have only limited applications; one area is cosmetics, especially skin care products.