Surface Activity of Natural Surfactants Extracted from <i>Sapindus mukorossi</i> and <i>Sapindus trifoliatus</i> Soapnuts
Surfactants derived from renewable sources such as plants are an ecological alternative to synthetic surfactants. Aqueous solutions of natural surfactants extracted from soapnuts obtained from two plants, <i>Sapindus mukorossi</i> and <i>Sapindus trifoliatus,</i> were studied...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2021-01-01
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| Series: | Colloids and Interfaces |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-5377/5/1/7 |
| Summary: | Surfactants derived from renewable sources such as plants are an ecological alternative to synthetic surfactants. Aqueous solutions of natural surfactants extracted from soapnuts obtained from two plants, <i>Sapindus mukorossi</i> and <i>Sapindus trifoliatus,</i> were studied. Their properties in terms of surface tension reduction and wettability were examinated. The natural surfactants show the ability to reduce the surface tension and increase the wettability of the hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene surface. These nuts can be used repeatedly for washing also in hard water. Crude extracts from <i>Sp. trifoliatus</i> exhibit better surface properties than those from <i>Sp. mukorossi</i>. This makes these soapnuts a good potential source of biosurfactants for household use. |
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| ISSN: | 2504-5377 |