chemical composition of detergent
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Fabric Washing Powder Ingredients
Modern fabric washing powders contain a number of chemical ingredients in various proportions. These products are complex mixtures which reflect the complex demands of modern living. Most of today's detergent products will include some or all of the following in varying amounts:
SURFACTANTS (Surface Active Agents)
Complex molecules, surfactants, which have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a long hydrophobic (water-hating) tail. In effect, one part of the chemical compound is attracted to water and repels oil whilst the other part repels water and is attracted to oil.
BUILDERS
These include phosphates, carbonates, silicates, citrates and zeolites. Their key role is to combine with minerals in the washwater which otherwise would interfere with cleaning. In other words, they soften the water.
ANTIREDEPOSITION AGENTS
The most commonly used is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) which is used to minimise redeposition of dirt that has already been removed by washing.
CORROSION INHIBITOR
An ingredient (usually sodium silicate) which protects against the corrosion of appliance surfaces. It is incorporated in laundry and automatic dishwasher products to protect washer and dishwasher metal parts and finishes, especially porcelain enamel.
BLEACH
Commonly sodium perborate ( known as "oxygen" bleach ), has been used in domestic detergent products for at least 50 years. It is a powder produced from borax and hydrogen peroxide, usually used in domestic detergents as the tetrahydrate NaBO3.4H2O.
TAED - (Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine)
This is a bleach activator, reacting in solution with ordinary perborate to produce peroxyacetic acid, a more active bleach than hydrogen peroxide.
PHOSPHONATE
This is present at low levels in some laundry products which contain bleach in order to delay the decomposition of the oxygen bleach until the appropriate stage in the laundry programme.
FLUORESCERS - Optical brighteners, whitening agents
This is a chemical compound which creates a visual whitening or brightening effect.
LATHER CONTROL AGENTS - Suds Suppressor
To prevent excess foaming in automatic washing machines a suds suppressor is added, otherwise the operation of the machine can be affected. Small amounts of soap are often used as suds suppressors.
ENZYMES
Enzymes are proteins which occur naturally in all living matter whether plant or animal. For example the enzyme "Pepsin" found in the human stomach, breaks down protein so we can digest food.
FRAGRANCES
Scents for soaps and detergents are based on synthetic and naturally occurring materials. There are more than 4,000 compounds used in perfumery and one fragrance may contain a few, to hundreds of compounds.
PRESERVATIVE
A substance which protects against the natural effects of ageing, such as decay, discoloration, oxidation and bacterial degradation. In soap products the preservatives are used to forestall and slow down the natural tendency to develop rancidity upon ageing. In the process they also protect colour and fragrance.