What is a surfactant?

Surfactants are a type of chemical substance, also known as surfactants. They can reduce the surface tension of liquids in water or other solvents, making them easier to disperse, emulsify, and dissolve other substances. The molecular structure of surfactants gives them both hydrophilicity (hydrophilic groups) and hydrophobicity (hydrophobic groups), which allows them to form a thin film on the surface of the liquid and alter its surface properties.
Surfactants have a wide range of applications in various fields, including cleaning agents, personal care products, food processing, agriculture, medicine, lubricants, etc. In cleaning agents, they help remove dirt and grease; In food processing, they are used as emulsifiers and stabilizers; In personal care products, they endow products with foam and cleaning ability; In the field of medicine, they are used for drug delivery, etc.
Overall, surfactants play an important role in modern industry and daily life, providing critical support for the manufacturing and functionality of many products.