ABSTRACT
As described in the Chapter 1, gemini surfactants are remarkably superior to conventional surfactants in characteristic features. They have a much lower critical micellization concentration (cmc), much lower values of the concentration C20 required to lower the surface tension of water by 20 mN/m, and lower Krafft temperature. In terms of concentration, they are about three orders of magnitude more efficient at reducing the surface tension of water and more than two orders of magnitude more efficient in interfacial performances than conventional surfactants. Therefore, a small quantity of gemini surfactant can have dramatic effects in applications. These advantages led many scientists, researchers, and manufacturers to develop new varieties of gemini surfactants for industrial, agricultural, biological, or daily uses. Some gemini surfactants with specific performances have been introduced in markets as commercial products, individually or blended with other surfactants. Many patents cover the manufacture and applications of anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and noninic gemini surfactants. This chapter gives a brief sketch on the actual and potential applications of gemini surfactants.
