Surface tension and critical micelle concentration

摘要

THE widespread use of surfactants in textile processing applications and scientific interest in their nature and properties, have precipitated a wealth of information and published literature on the subject. The world of surfactants can be broken down into two distinct groups—ionic (those that have a charge associated with them) or nonionic (those that do not carry any associated charge). Within the ionic group, there are negatively charged species (anionic), positively charged species (cationic), and those that can be either negative or positive (amphoteric) depending upon the pH of the environment. One of the prime and predominant reasons for the ubiquitous deployment of surfactants is their remarkable ability to influence the properties of surfaces and interfaces, and to thereby have an impact on industrial processes and products.