Abstract
Soil-submersion tests were performed with several solid, organic soils to examine the effects of surfactant structure on soil removal. Results show that hydrophobe size and Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) affect soil removal processes. Data also indicate that soil removal first requires penetration of the surfactant (and associated water molecules) into the soil. After this liquefaction process begins, other processes (e.g., emulsification, mechanical action, reduction in soil adhesion) can commence which actually remove soil.
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Cox, M.F. Surfactants for hard-surface cleaning: Mechanisms of solid soil removal. J Am Oil Chem Soc 63, 559–565 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02645756
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02645756