Synthetic detergents

The production of detergents began during the First World War in Germany. In Russia, the first powder was released in 1953. He called "Novosti" and included in the composition of products, isolated from sperm whales.

Synthetic detergents are multicomponent mixtures of substances. Their aqueous solutions are used for cleaning from contaminants. Synthetic detergents for the most part include (in addition to directly detergent components - surfactants) salts from inorganic acids (carbonates, phosphates) that enhance the activity of the mixture. In addition, disinfecting and bleaching ingredients, defoamers or foaming agents, dyes, fragrances and others are included in the composition of the solutions.

Surfactants (or surfactants) are organic compounds that have a superficial effect. They are able to form a semicolloid solution and foam. Surface activity of substances helps to reduce surface water tension, thus increasing the wetting properties of water.

The mixtures for cleaning are divided into several types:

1. Alkylammonium chlorides.
2. Alkylarylsulfonates.
3. Alkylsulfonates.
4. Alkyl sulfates.
5. Alkyl carbonates (soap).

Soap is produced by processing fatty raw materials. Sulfonates and sulfates are synthetic detergents. All the mixtures listed above belong to the category of ionogenic (ion-forming) substances. In an aqueous solution, they decompose (dissociate) into ions.

There are also non-ionic mixtures. They do not dissociate in water, but dissolve in it. This is due to the presence in the molecule of hydrophilic groups (OH, for example) in large quantities.

Non-ionic surfactants can be of natural or synthetic origin. The latter - preparations of OH category, formed by ethylene oxide and phenols, fatty alcohols.

Despite the fact that surfactants are the main components that make up synthetic detergents, their washing effect is weak in itself. In this regard, to enhance the activity of the mixture, alkaline and neutral salts, bleaches, enzymes (enzymes), foam stabilizers are added to the mixture.

Due to the presence of alkaline salts, the colloidal structure and the emulsifying capacity of the solutions are enhanced. These components contribute to the formation of a stronger detergent film near the dirt particles. In addition, alkaline salts soften the water and create a favorable environment for the cleaning (washing) of different tissues. So, for example, for washing linen and cotton products it is advisable to use strong alkaline additives (trisodium phosphate, soda).

Hexamethophosphate forms a weakly acidic medium in the detergent composition. These conditions are very favorable for the washing of wool products.

Sodium sulfate belongs to the category of fillers. These components help improve the structure of colloidal solutions. The use of bleaches as additives eliminates the need for a bluish underpaint.

To stabilize and improve the foaming properties in detergents, alkyl amine stabilizers are used.

There are three main types of synthetic detergents. In washing, powder mixtures are most often used. Liquid detergents are now being introduced into the market of household chemicals quite actively. Pasty mixtures are currently not used as often.

Among the main consumer properties of detergent mixtures is detergent, antiresorptive (the ability to keep pollution in the solution) and foaming activity. Equally important is the pH of the solution medium.