surface-active agent


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Noun1.surface-active agent - a chemical agent capable of reducing the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved
emulsifier - a surface-active agent that promotes the formation of an emulsion
chemical agent - an agent that produces chemical reactions
detergent - a surface-active chemical widely used in industry and laundering
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References in periodicals archive ?
The breakable thermally stable foam obtained by dispensing a foamable emulsion composition is comprised of a surface-active agent; a liquid, non-volatile hydrophobic solvent; a gelling agent; a component selected from the group consisting of urea, a hydroxy acid, a therapeutic enhancer, and mixtures of two or more thereof; water; and a liquefied or a compressed gas propellant.
Screening for Surface-active Agent Producing Bacteria in Used Engine Oil Contaminated Soil Samples.
Because a detergent is referred to as a surface-active agent, as the control solutions we used a surface-active substance (ethanol), a surface-inaetive sub stance (NaCl), and distilled water (DW).
When a thin film of a solution of a surface-active agent is stretched or deformed, surface elasticity forces arise because of variations in surface tension.
"It's also a component in household detergents and soaps." The compound works as a surface-active agent or surfactant, reducing friction between surfaces, loosening and dissolving oily wastes much the same way detergents clean fabric in the washing machine.

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