An Introduction to Surfactants

Surfactants are surface active agents, molecules that have a significant role in emulsions, suspensions, and foams. They find widespread application in personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and the food industry. The main objective of this graduate level textbook is to present an overview of the classification, physical properties, phase behavior, their effects and applications of surfactants, e.g. as emulsifiers, foam stabilizer, in nano- and microemulsions and as wetting agents.

Autorentext

Tharwat F. Tadros, Wokingham, UK.

Inhalt

From the Contents:

Introduction
Physical Chemistry of Surfactant Solutions
Phase Behavior of Surfactant Systems
Adsorption of Surfactants at the Air/Liquid and Liquid/Liquid Interfaces
Adsorption of Surfactants and Polymeric Surfactants at the Solid/Liquid Interface
Application of Surfactants in Emulsion Formation and Stabilization
Surfactants as Dispersants
Surfactants in Foams
Surfactants in Nanoemulsions
Surfactants in Microemulsions
Role of Surfactants in Wetting, Spreading and Adhesion
Surfactants in Personal Care and Cosmetics
Surfactants in Pharmaceuticals
Surfactants in Agrochemicals
Surfactants in Food Products