What is a Nonionic Surfactant?
A. A surface active agent that contains neither positively nor negatively charged (ionic) functional groups: such surfactants have been found to be particularly effective in removing oily soil. Some nonionics are low sudsing and are found in low sudsing laundry detergents, pre-wash stain removers, hard surface cleaners, and machine dishwashing detergents. Q. What is a Detergent? A. Technically speaking, any cleansing agent with a composition other than soap that cleans by much the same mechanisms as does soap. In other words, a soap substitute. Detergent materials are derived from Petroleum, Fatty Acids and other sources. Q. What is a Soap? A. A soap is formed by the saponification or neutralization of fats, oils, waxes, rosins, or their acids with organic or inorganic bases. (American Society for Testing and Material Definition) In the area of consumer products, soap usually means the sodium or potassium salt of animal fat or combination of vegetable oils and animal fat. Q. What is an
