The awareness and development of 'biodegradable' surfactants pre-dates current pressures by the environmental movement by nearly three decades, wherein a responsible industry mutually agreed to replace 'hard', non-biodegradable com ponents of household detergents by 'soft', biodegradable alternatives, without course to legislation. The only requirement at that time was for surfactants used in detergents to exhibit a 'primary biodegradability' in excess of 80%; this referring to the disap pearance or removal from solution of the intact surface active material as de tected by specified analytical techniques. This proved useful, as observed environmental impacts of surfactants, e.g. visible foam on rivers, are associated with the intact molecule. Test methods for 'primary biodegradability' were eventually enshrined in EU legislation for nonionic surfactants (Directive 821242/EEC, amended 73/404IEEC) and for anionic surfactants (Directive 8212431EEC, amended 73/405IEEC). No approved test methods and resultant legislation have been developed for cationic and amphoteric surfactants to date. The environmental classification of chemical substances, which of course includes surfactants, and associated risk assessment utilises a second criterion 'ready biodegradability'. This may be assessed by a number of methods which monitor oxygen uptake (BOD), carbon dioxide production or removal of dis solved organic carbon (DOC). Some surfactants which comply with the above Detergents Directive are borderline when it comes to 'ready biodegradability'.

"Provides comprehensive coverage of the synthesis, analysis, application, and chemical and physical properties of amphoteric surfactants--furnishing an up-to-date account of important new developments. Details the application of amphoteric surfactants in personal care products and household and industrial detergents."

In the tradition of the popular first edition, Analysis of Surfactants, Second Edition offers a comprehensive and practical account of analysis methods for determining and understanding commercially important surfactants-individually and in compounds. Combining a complete review of the literature with a variety of evaluation procedures and the specifications for commercial products, this useful reference explores the key stages and latest developments for surfactant applications. This edition has been thoroughly expanded and features new sections on capillary electrophoresis, ether carboxylates, and ester quats. It is also more globally accessible with foreign language citations and SI units. Containing over 2400 references, drawings, tables, and equations, Analysis of Surfactants, Second Edition is an recommended reference for physical, surface, colloid, and oil chemists; analytical, research, and quality assurance chemists working in the soap and detergent, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic industries; regulatory and food scientists; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

""Second Edition provides a thorough, up-to-date treatment of the fundamental behavior of surface active agents in solutions, their interaction with biological structures from proteins and membranes to the stratum corneum and epidermis, and their performance in formulations such as shampoos, dentifrice, aerosols, and skin cleansers.

A discussion of the synthesis, problems, theories and applications of fluorinated surfactants, this second edition is updated with four new chapters on repellency and protection against soiling and staining and over 2900 references, equations, and drawings (800 more than the previous edition). It lists alphabetically and explores numerous applications of fluorinated surfactants. Called "...a most useful introduction to these fascinating materials" by the Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology and "...a coherent and stimulating handbook...the most useful book in the fluorinated surfactants field to date. Recommended." by the Journal of the Chemical Society, Faraday Transactions - this book is a source of factual data, methods of manufacture, and chemical structures for the surfactant scientist and user.