Surface Chemistry: Surfactant Wetting Properties

This post introduces basic concepts in wetting properties of surfactants, with a focus on anionic and cationic surfactants.

Surfactants can modify surface properties for challenging applications, making surfaces waterproof; easier to clean, paint, or process; or increase “wetting” when in contact with water.

LVP-VOC Exemption: Regulatory Overview

Summary Despite increasingly strict VOC limits at the state and federal level, I&I formulators can incorporate performance based solvents and new surfactant technology to satisfy current Low Vapor Pressure (LVP-VOC) exemption criteria. The ingredients in these compunds will not count towards a product’s total VOC calculation, and may facilitate compliance with enhanced performance characteristics. This article …

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A Quick Look at “Cloud Point”

Cloud point is an important property to consider when evaluating surfactants for your formulation. Cloud point is defined as the temperature above which a surfactant rich phase separates from an aqueous solution. This separation occurs when a nonionic surfactant, for instance, becomes insoluble due to increased heat, resulting in a cloudy or hazy dispersion in …

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