Surfactants are fundamental to the successful operation and efficient functioning of vast areas of the chemical industry. Their surface active properties have wide ranging applications, and as a result most surfactants are used as a component (or components) in blended compounds in order to create or formulate a specific and appropriate product. This formulation process is complex, but is of such critical importance that scientists are employed specifically to manufacture new formulations, and to modify and improve the properties of existing formulations. This book provides a guide to the formulation of compounds which require the addition of blending of surfactants. The book provides a logical and step-by-step account of the problems faced by formulators, and gives guidance relating to sources of information, surfactant types available, application area, and important peripheral aspects such as surfactant theory, ecological considerations, and toxicity factors.
The book is written specifically for formulation scientists working within the chemical industry, at all levels, and will be of particular interest to those working within the fields of speciality chemicals, the plastics industry, the detergent industry, and related fields.