answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Emulsifiers are a class of surfactants, which come in many different forms. Surfactants are any materials that interact with surfaces, thus the term surfactant, or surface active agent. In general, true surfactants can be thought of as lowering the surface tension of the bulk liquid, thus allowing it to be more compatible with the hydrophobic material or oil. An emulsifier more interacts with the hydrophobic material, giving it a type of coating, which "hides" the oil from the water, making the surface of the oil more similar or liking of water.

However, there is a fine line between the two terms and they are usually used interchangeably and sometimes are industry specific; food chemists use emulsifier more where industrial chemists use the term surfactant more. This is due to their intended outcome, foods are filled with emulsions while industrial chemistry consists of a lot of cleaners, and fluids that need lubricity or foam, thus surfactants.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the difference between emulsifier and surfactant?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the action of an emulsifier?

An emulsifier has both a hydrophilic and hydrophobic part. It acts as a surfactant, with one part attracted to the oil phase and the other part attracted to the water phase, stabilizing the junction between the phases.


Can you emulsifier instead of surfactant?

Emulsion two types.1.Oil in water 2.water in oil.-- both will increases their viscosity. surfactant meant : De-emulsification which is quite opposite to emulsifier agent.surfactant decrease viscosity.


What is the difference between mucus surfactant and pleural fluid?

Surfactant is when your mum produces something bad into the mouth of your daddy


What is the pharmaceutical use of polyethylene glycol 6000 in oral liquid and inject able formulations?

It's used as an emulsifier and sometimes as a surfactant. Depending on the pharmaceutical form..


What is the pharmaceutical use of polyethylene glycol 6000 in oral liquid and inject-able formulations?

It's used as an emulsifier and sometimes as a surfactant. Depending on the pharmaceutical form..


What is arlacel 165?

Arlacel 165 (or - glyceryl stearate(and) PEG 100 stearate) is a non-ionic surfactant that is used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic as an emulsifier - it helps stabilize the emulsion.


What exactly is Polysorbate 80 used for?

Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier in foods and in other items. It is a nonionic surfactant as well. It comes from oleic acid and polyethoxylated sorbitan.


What is 16.5?

Arlacel 165 (or - glyceryl stearate(and) PEG 100 stearate) is a non-ionic surfactant that is used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetic as an emulsifier - it helps stabilize the emulsion.


What does soy lecithin do?

There are a number of benefits if one takes Lecithin tablets. It is an essential nutrient that helps with the normal function of liver metabolism, brain and nerve function, and body's cells. Lecithin may also assist in preventing the build up of fats and protect one against cardiovascular disease.


When do fetuses begin to produce surfactant?

Fetuses begin to produce surfactant between weeks 24 and 28.


Is lecithin soluble in water?

we tested this in school today. it is an emulsifier but it didnt work too well in our experiment, the best was egg yolk! lol but yeah it is an emulsifier. --edit-- Lecithin is an emulsifier.. and what is said above doesn't quite make sense, because lecithin is in egg yolk.


What is the role of urea in liquid detergent?

Urea in liquid detergent is added to improve solubility, i.e. It is a Hydrotop and act as an emulsifier between the lipophilic surfactant molecules and water (solvent). In the absence of which Phase separation 'll occur and the liquid detergent will separate into surfactant rich top layer and water rich bottom layer, which is bad quality to a common housewife. Yet there are other hydrotrophs replacing Urea these days like Ethanol... Mohakmel