Surfactants Market Opportunity Study - January 2009 - Soy New Uses

CONVENTIONAL SURFACTANT PRODUCTS BY TYPE
The primary function of a surfactant is to enhance the performance properties of waterbased
formulations composed of a range of ingredients such as other surfactants,
solvents, thickeners, alkalis/salts, chelating agents, foamers/defoamers and fragrances.
They are grouped by their ionic charge.
Anionic Surfactants
• Alkylbenzene sulfonates – detergents
• Fatty acids – soaps
• Sulfosuccinates – wetting agents
• Lauryl sulfates – foaming agents
• Lignosulfonates – dispersants
Anionic surfactants are the largest group accounting for approximately 40% of world
production. These products exhibit superior wetting and emulsifying properties and tend to
be higher-foaming materials.
Nonionic Surfactants
Alkylphenol ethoxylates
Alkanolamides
Polyglucosides
Sorbitan esters
Alcohol ethoxylates
Fatty amine ethoxylates
Sucrose esters
Nonionic surfactants are the second largest group by volume at about 35%. Demand for
these sugar-based products is escalating due to their low toxicity.
Cationic Surfactants
Imidazolines
Betaines
Pyridenes
Morpholines
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Cationics typically have excellent antibacterial properties, provide good corrosion
protection and can be good demulsifiers.
Amphoteric Surfactants
Imidozoline derivatives
Betaines
Amine condensates
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Phosphatides
Amphoterics can behave as a cation or anion depending on pH. These surfactants are
“mild” and are increasingly used in personal care products.
5