Surfactants (commonly known as detergents) are a type of chemical substance that can reduce the surface tension of liquids. The cleaning principle is mainly based on the following points:
Emulsification effect: Surfactants have dual properties of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, which can establish a bridge between water and oil. When surfactants are added to the surface of dirt, they surround and disperse the dirt particles, dispersing them into tiny micelles. In this way, oil or fatty dirt can be wrapped in water, forming a stable emulsification system, making it easier to be washed away by water.
Dispersion effect: Surfactants can also help remove various types of dirt through their dispersion effect. They can interact with dirt particles and disperse them in the solution, preventing them from redepositing or gathering on the surface. This makes the dirt more evenly dispersed in the solution, making it easier to wash and clean.
Humidification effect: Surfactants can significantly reduce the surface tension of liquids, making them easier to come into contact with and penetrate dirt surfaces. This humidifying effect helps to better cover the detergent solution on the dirt surface and allows it to penetrate deeper into small gaps.
Ion Exchange interaction: ionic groups in surfactants can conduct ion exchange reaction with dirt particles. This ion Exchange interaction can neutralize the charge on the dirt surface, reduce its interaction force, and make the dirt particles easier to disperse and remove.
In general, surfactants alter the surface characteristics of dirt through emulsification, dispersion, humidification, and ion exchange, making it easier to combine with water and disperse in water, thereby achieving effective cleaning and removal of dirt.