ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION A discussion of the application of a surfactant group that is rather new — not so much as a compound, but in its more sophisticated properties and ap plications — must include economic aspects such as its probable position in the surfactant market. Surfactants constitute a multitude of surface-active
agents, but a group of only about 10 different types form the surfactant mar ket. Important application of a compound can be expected only when it be longs to this group. Thus, besides being efficient and safe for the environ ment, the product has to be available on a reasonable cost basis, comparable to or even more advantageous than those of surfactants already established in the market.
