Surfactant (Noun)
Meaning
A chemical agent capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The surfactant properties of soap allow it to effectively clean and emulsify oils on the skin.
- In the production of cosmetics, surfactants are often used to create a rich lather and improve the spreadability of the product.
- The addition of a surfactant to the paint formulation improved its wetting properties and reduced the formation of bubbles on the surface.
- Surfactants are commonly used in firefighting foams to help the foam penetrate and spread across the surface of the fuel.
- The surfactant in the dish soap helped to break down the grease and food residue, making it easier to rinse off the dishes.