ABSTRACT
Surfactants are chemical compounds that possess surface activity. They are classified as anionic, nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric based on their net charge in solution and chemical structure. When dissolved in water, surfactants lower the surface tension (i.e., interfacial tension) by positive adsorption at the liquid/vapor surface or at the water/oil interface. The primary use of these compounds is as detergents, foaming or wetting agents, solubilizers, or dispersants. Surfactants also act as co-emulsifiers because they are partly water soluble and pmtly oil soluble. This hydrophilic:lipophilic balance (HLB) is a function of specific structure and temperature.
