Surface active agents

According to the classification developed by the international non-profit association ASTM, surfactants are chemical compounds that, under certain conditions, can form a thin film on the surface of water or air particles. In nature, surfactants are found in the composition of oils and fats, in the form of salts, organic acids and esters. They are also products of oil refining, petrochemical and agricultural production.

Recently, surfactants with anionic and cationic groups have been increasingly used in science and technology. This is due to the fact that they have high performance properties. Therefore, they are widely used in the production of plastics, rubber, soap, varnishes, enamels, paints, detergents, in the pulp and paper industry, for water purification, in agriculture, food and textile industries.