A Guide to Amino acid based surfactants

 Specialty chemical suppliers are those who supply specialty chemicals needed by different industries. For the cleaning and detergent industries, surfactants are chemicals that form a major source for the manufacturing process. Amino acid based surfactants are popular specialty chemicals used to prepare detergent products. Surfactants are used as detergents since they have a head that retains water and a tail that attaches itself to grime and dirt and removes it, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect.

The four types of surfactants

When we look at surfactant products manufactured by specialty chemical suppliers, we find that there are four main types:

1.    Cationic surfactants

These surfactants have a positive charge on the molecule head. This makes it useful to make anti-static products like fabric softeners. These type of surfactants are also used to make disinfectants. Example: Alkyl ammonium chloride.

2.    Anionic surfactants

In these surfactants, the head has a negative charge on it. This allows it to lift and suspend soil and grime and can create good foam. This is why these surfactants (eg: alkylbenzene sulfonic acid) are used in the manufacture of detergents and soaps.

3.    Non-ionic surfactants
As the name indicates, non-ionic surfactants ha no charge and are neutral charged. These types of surfactants (for example, ethoxylates and cocamides) are used to emulsify oil. They are also in products to remove organic soil during the cleaning process.

4.    Zwitterionic surfactants

Also known as amphoteric surfactants, these have a double charge. The hydrophilic head of the surfactant molecule would have both a positive charge as well as a negative charge. This results in the charges being cancelled out. Betaines and amino oxides are examples of these kinds of surfactants. These surfactants are commonly used to make shampoos and cosmetic products.

Amino acid based surfactants are one of the key products used in the detergent industry and specialty chemical manufactures can supply these products.

The secret behind the formulation of sunscreen lotion

 Formulation of sunscreen lotion is a complex science and manufacturing process plays an important role in maximising the performance of permitted substances. There are certain important steps in the manufacture and formulation of sunscreen lotion.

• During the process of manufacture, ingredients like Cetyl alcohol and stearic acid are blended together and dispersed into the phase of oil.
• The water phase that contains emulsifiers and stabilizers like Veegum, Carbopol are separated.
• The two phases are then mixed in the form of emulsion which is aided by heating between 110 and 185 degree Fahrenheit. Although the temperature depends on the ingredients. This is an important phase in formulation of sunscreen lotion.
• The UV filters and absorbers are supplied like dry powder and are predisposed either in oil or aqueous bases. These micronized oxides are dispersed into the appropriate phase depending on the raw material and then being added to the product. You will need the support from surfactant chemical supplier.
• The mixing gets continued till the end, until the product becomes homogeneous. This is the secret behind the formulation of sunscreen lotion.
While you carry in the process of manufacturing, there arise a lot of problems and encounters.
• While mixing operations, the hydration of thickening and suspending agents is one of the most difficult of all. The incomplete hydration or formulation of all agglomerates can have a detrimental effect on the SPF.
• When you add the powdered ingredients, partial hydration of materials can build up the vessel walls.
• The emulsion has to be quite stable along with the minimum addition of emulsifiers and stabilizers. Certain additives can reduce the SPF as per knowledge. You must contact your surfactant chemical supplier beforehand.

For obtaining a homogeneous product, you might require additional equipment and other requirements. The improved dispersion of micronized oxides that uses Silverson high shear mixer results in the better quality of SPF.