Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
with some success, in contaminated soil remediation, pollution control systems, less
polluting paper-processing and recycling technologies, and for the coating of ultra-
thin films. They are also being tried in such non-obvious technologies as the sinter-
ing of superconducting ceramics and in medical applications such as artificial blood
for emergency or special-needs transfusions. The applications of surfactants men-
tioned briefly above constitute the bulk of the standard uses of surfactants in our
world today. They represent an important direct and indirect driving force in our
technological world.
1.4. SURFACTANT CONSUMPTION
The U.S. and world synthetic surfactant industries expanded rapidly in both volume
and dollar value following World War II. Before the war, the great majority of
cleaning and laundering applications relied for their basic raw materials on fatty
acid soaps derived from natural fats and oils such as tallow and coconut oil. During
and following the war, as already mentioned, the chemical industry developed new
and efficient processes for the production of petroleum-derived detergent feedstocks
based on the tetramer of propylene and benzene. In addition, economic and cultural
changes such as increased use of synthetic fibers and automatic washing machines,
increased washing frequency, population increases, and, of course, mass marketing
through television and other media, all worked to increase the impact of non-fatty-
acid-based surfactants. The percentage of U.S. surfactant consumption represented
by the fatty acid soaps and synthetic detergents changed rapidly between 1940 and
1970. In 1945, synthetics represented only about 4% of the total domestic market.
By 1953, the fraction had risen to over half of the total, and by 1970 the synthetic
surfactant share had risen to over 80% of total soap and detergent production. The
trend has leveled off since that time, with the fraction of total worldwide surfactant
consumption as soap remaining in the range of 20-22%.
Beginning in the last years of the twentieth century, the surfactant industry began
to undergo something of an upheaval in almost every area as a result of new for-
mulations of surfactant-containing products brought about by changes in consumer
demands, in local economies, raw-materials pricing, and changes in government
regulatory practices.
In general, an improved economic situation leads to an increased demand for
surfactants and surfactant-containing products. The reverse is also true, of course.
Social and political forces have brought about demands for environmentally
friendly ''green'' products that are milder for the end user and less potentially
damaging to the environment. Cheaper products are also desirable, of course,
from a marketing standpoint, which is made difficult by the ever-increasing price
of crude oil and other surfactant feedstocks. Other reasons for price increases
include the costs of regulatory compliance, insurance, and indirect environment-
related expenses. Technical obsolescence is also a constant problem for any chemical-
based industry.
