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The non-ionic surfactant is a surfactant that is neutral in nature. These surfactants have a hydrophobic tail and a group of hydrophilic heads. These are used in the formation of niosomes, which carry zero charges and are comparatively non-toxic in nature. In simple terms, the non-ionic surfactants do not have charges in their hydrophilic ends. These surfactants are very good at removing organic soils and emulsifying oils. These are one of the most important characteristics of non-ionic surfactants. In addition to this, these surfactants consist of unique properties, known as the cloud point. The cloud point is the temperature at which the surfactants begin separating themselves from the cleaning solutions.
Non-ionic surfactants are used in several fields and areas, mainly because of their mild nature. Ethoxylated amines, Ethoxylated alcohol, etc, are some of the common examples of non-ionic surfactants.
Let us look at the non-ionic surfactants through their applications.
Definition through Application
As we know, Non-ionic surfactants are the types of surfactants that have no charged polar heads. The non-ionic surfactants are widely used in the field of horticulture. In the context of horticulture, these surfactants are called wetting agents. This is because they help the water-repelling solid absorb water through the breakage of surface tension. However, these surfactants have their limitations too. They can damage plants when used in an imbalanced and haphazard manner.
As it can break the water surface tension, it can be used in other products too. The non-ionic surfactants are also used in the cleaning products like detergents. These surfactants help the cleaning water in absorbing the dirt or grease that usually gets repelled when it comes to water.
Let us move to the factors affecting critical micelle concentrations.
Factors
CMC is also known as the Critical Micelle concentration. It is commonly used as a surfactant. In addition, it is also used in the development and applications of surfactants. There are several factors that affect the critical micelle concentrations. These factors are as follows-
Structure of the Hydrophobic groups: When the length of the hydrocarbon chain increases, it results in the decrease of the logarithm in CMCs. In addition, when the micelle sizes increase, the length of the hydrocarbon chain also increases- which in turn increases the volume of the surfactants.
Hydrophobic Group Nature: With the expansion in the hydrophilicity, the CMC also increases. This is mainly because of the increase in the solubility of the aqueous medium; along with the reduction in the partition of the interface.
Temperature changes: As the CMC decreases with the increase in the size of the micelle, the temperature increases to the cloud point concerning the non-ionic surfactants. This is mainly because of the increase in the Brownian motions.
Alcohol: Alcohol helps in increasing the hydrophobic molecules and the surfactants, altogether. Therefore, an increase in the solubility of the surfactants results in an increase in the Critical Micelle Concentrations.
Electrolyte addition: When electrolytes are added to the ionic surfactant solutions, the CMC gets reduced, but there is an increase in the size of the micelles. This is principal because of the decrease in the charging effectiveness in the hydrophilic heads groups.
It must also be noted that the molecules don’t just relate to the structure of the molecules, but are responsive to environments too.
Conclusion
The non-ionic surfactant is a surfactant that is neutral in nature. These surfactants have a hydrophobic tail and a group of hydrophilic heads. These are used in the formation of noisomes, which carry zero charges and are comparatively non-toxic in nature. The surfactants consist of a unique property, known as the cloud point. The cloud point is the temperature at which the surfactants begin separating themselves from the cleaning solutions. Non-ionic surfactants are the types of surfactants that have no charged polar heads. The non-ionic surfactants are widely used in the field of horticulture.
