Cationic Surfactants

Surfactants are substances that reduce the surface tension of a liquid or the interfacial tension of two phases. Cationic surfactants are surfactants that have a positively charged functional group.

Like any surfactant, cationic surfactants are composed of a polar and a non-polar part. The polar group is always a quaternary ammonium unit. The non-polar part consists of different alkyl rests.

In detergents, cationic surfactants enhance the action of anionic surfactants by reducing the surface tension between dirt and water, making them particularly suitable for removing grease stains. Unlike anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants can also be used in acidic environments and hard water, but their cleaning power is weaker. In addition, they are used as antistatic agents and as finishing agents in fabric softeners.

In detergents, cationic surfactants provide disinfectant, biocidal properties. In water treatment, cationic surfactants are used as ion exchangers to obtain demineralized water. Cationic surfactants offer good corrosion protection and can be good demulsifiers. Cationic surfactants are used as drying aids in carwashes.