Detergents

BOC Sciences offers various types of detergent products to meet different needs and applications of customers. Our detergent products are divided into the following categories: surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and mixed surfactants. These detergents can be used in a wide range of applications such as household cleaning, industrial washing, biological experiments and pharmaceuticals. Our detergents have excellent cleaning performance and stability, and are also available in a variety of sizes. If you have any detergent needs, please feel free to contact our professional team, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution.

What is Detergent?

Detergent is a chemical used for cleaning, usually consisting of surfactants or mixtures thereof. It effectively removes dirt and grease and suspends them in water for cleaning. Detergents can be in liquid, powder, paste or solid form and are widely used in household, industrial and medical applications. The main components of detergents include surfactants, detergent aids and additives. Surfactants are the core ingredient of detergents, which have the ability to reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for water to penetrate into the fabric fibers, resulting in better removal of dirt. In addition, detergents may contain other chemical ingredients such as enzymes, brighteners, and flavors to enhance their cleaning effect and usage experience. Unlike soap, which is mainly made from natural fatty acids, detergents are obtained through chemical synthesis. As a result, detergents usually perform better than soap in hard water and are less likely to form soap scum. There are many types of detergents, which can be categorized into household daily detergents and industrial detergents based on their use.

Workshop diagram for batch production of detergents.

Laundry Detergent

Today, laundry detergents are becoming more and more popular because they can be automatically metered and added to the washing machine, give fabrics softness, anti-static properties, elasticity, are gentle on the eyes and skin, and are well dispersed in water. Laundry detergent compositions are formulated mixtures of ingredients that can be categorized into different types based on their nature and function in the final product. The different categories of ingredients include surfactants, detergent aids, bleaching agents, enzymes and trace elements that remove dirt, stains and grime from surfaces or textiles, giving them a pleasant feel and odor. The physicochemical properties of surfactants make them suitable for use in laundry. Laundry detergents have traditionally been powdered or granular solids, but the use of liquid laundry detergents has gradually increased over the years, and today the use of liquid detergents equals or even exceeds the use of solid detergents.

How Does Detergent Work?

Detergents work by lowering the surface tension of water, a property that allows water molecules to interact more effectively with oils, grease, and dirt. This process is facilitated by surfactants, which are the active ingredients in most detergents. The surfactants have hydrophobic (water-repellent) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) ends, allowing them to attach to both water and grease molecules. When mixed with water, the hydrophobic ends of surfactants bind to grease and oil, while the hydrophilic ends remain attracted to water. This results in the formation of micelles, tiny clusters of detergent molecules that trap oil and dirt in their center. These micelles are then suspended in the water, making it easy to rinse away the impurities.

Types of Detergent

Detergents can be classified in several ways based on various criteria such as their electrical charge, the types of ingredients they contain, and their physical form. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of detergents according to three major classification standards.

Classification Based on Electrical Charge

Detergents can be classified based on the charge of the surfactants they contain. This classification influences their cleaning ability, stability in different conditions, and applications. The main types in this category include:

• Anionic Detergents

These detergents carry a negative charge and are the most commonly used type in household cleaning products. They are highly effective in removing grease and oil, which makes them ideal for laundry detergents. Their negative charge allows them to break down and lift dirt particles away from fabric surfaces. Examples include sodium lauryl sulfate and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate.

• Cationic Detergents

Cationic detergents carry a positive charge. They are less commonly used in general cleaning but are highly effective in fabric softeners and disinfectants due to their antibacterial properties. Cationic detergents can bind to negatively charged surfaces, such as fabrics, and provide additional benefits such as reducing static buildup. Common examples include quaternary ammonium compounds like benzalkonium chloride.

• Nonionic Detergents

These detergents do not carry any charge. Their neutral charge makes them suitable for use in delicate cleaning situations, such as dishwashing liquids and personal care products like shampoos and body washes. Nonionic detergents are less harsh on the skin and are less likely to cause irritation. Common examples include alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglucosides.

• Amphoteric Detergents

Amphoteric detergents can carry both positive and negative charges, depending on the pH of the solution. This makes them highly versatile and effective in a wide range of cleaning applications. They are commonly used in shampoos, facial cleansers, and baby products due to their mildness. Examples include cocamidopropyl betaine and lauramidopropyl betaine.

Classification Based on Loaded Ingredients

This classification categorizes detergents based on the ingredients added to enhance their cleaning properties. These additions can include enzymes, surfactants, phosphates, and other specialized chemicals. The main categories include:

• Detergents with Enzymes

Enzyme-based detergents are specifically formulated to break down complex stains like proteins, starches, and fats. Enzymes such as proteases, amylases, and lipases are commonly used to target different types of stains. For instance, proteases break down protein-based stains like blood or egg, while amylases break down starch-based stains like those from pasta or potatoes. Enzyme-based detergents are commonly used in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids, especially for removing stubborn stains.

• Detergents with Surfactants

Surfactants are the key active ingredients in most detergents. These are responsible for lowering the surface tension of water, allowing it to better penetrate and clean surfaces. Surfactants help to break down oils, grease, and dirt by attaching to them and facilitating their removal. These detergents are typically the most common in household and industrial cleaning products. They may contain a combination of anionic, cationic, or nonionic surfactants, depending on the desired cleaning effect.

• Detergents with Phosphates

Phosphates are often added to detergents to help soften water and improve cleaning efficiency, especially in hard water areas. They work by binding to calcium and magnesium ions in the water, preventing these minerals from interfering with the cleaning process. Although phosphates have been phased out in many household detergents due to their environmental impact (such as promoting water eutrophication), they are still used in some industrial detergents. Phosphate-free alternatives are becoming increasingly popular due to environmental regulations.

• Detergents with Bleaching Agents

Some detergents contain bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate, to enhance stain removal. These agents help to oxidize and break down tough stains, such as those from wine or blood. Bleach-containing detergents are commonly used in laundry applications for white or color-safe washing.

• Detergents with Optical Brighteners

Optical brighteners are chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible blue light, making whites appear brighter and colors more vivid. These detergents are used in laundry applications to enhance the appearance of clothing, especially when laundering whites or light-colored fabrics.

Classification Based on Form

Detergents are also categorized based on their physical form. This classification impacts their ease of use, application, and storage. The primary forms of detergents include:

• Powder Detergent

Powder detergents are a traditional form of detergent that is effective in hard water and heavy-duty cleaning. They are typically more concentrated than liquid detergents, which makes them a cost-effective option for large-scale cleaning. Powder detergents are ideal for removing heavy stains, and their granular form allows for better control of the amount used. However, they may not dissolve as well in cold water compared to liquid detergents.

• Liquid Detergent

Liquid detergents are widely used due to their convenience and ease of use. They dissolve quickly in water, making them ideal for quick applications, especially in cold water washes. Liquid detergents also provide the flexibility to adjust the dosage based on load size and cleaning requirements. They are available in various formulations, such as those with added enzymes or surfactants for specific cleaning needs.

• Emulsion Detergent

Emulsion detergents are a special category of detergents used in industrial and commercial cleaning applications. These detergents are formulated to work with both water and oils, effectively breaking down and emulsifying oils and fats. They are commonly used in industries such as food processing, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, where oil and grease need to be removed from equipment and surfaces.

• Detergent Pods

Pods are pre-measured doses of detergent enclosed in dissolvable film, offering a mess-free and convenient solution for household cleaning. These single-use pods provide precise dosing, preventing waste and ensuring optimal cleaning performance. They are particularly popular in laundry applications due to their simplicity and ease of storage. Pods are formulated for use in both regular and high-efficiency washing machines, offering a balance of surfactants and other cleaning agents.

• Gel Detergents

Gel detergents are a relatively new form of detergent that combines the convenience of liquid detergents with a thicker consistency. The gel form allows for easier application, especially in situations where precise dosage control is required. They are often used in dishwashing liquids and concentrated laundry detergents, offering high cleaning power with minimal mess.

Function of Detergent

Detergents serve as powerful cleaning agents, and their primary function is to remove dirt, oils, and other contaminants from surfaces, fabrics, and materials. The cleaning action of detergents is based on the unique properties of their chemical structure, particularly their ability to lower the surface tension of water.

• Reduction of Surface Tension: Detergents reduce water's surface tension, allowing it to spread more easily over surfaces and improving cleaning efficiency.
• Emulsification of Oils and Fats: Detergents emulsify oils and fats by having hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) tails. This helps break down and disperse oils into small droplets that can be washed away.
• Suspension of Dirt and Particles: Detergents lift dirt and particles from surfaces and suspend them in water, preventing reattachment and allowing easy removal during rinsing.
• Disinfection and Antibacterial Properties: Detergents with cationic surfactants can bind to bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their structure and killing bacteria, making them useful in medical and sanitation settings.
• Stain Removal: Detergents, especially enzymatic ones, target specific stains such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, breaking them down for easier removal.
• Foaming Action: The foaming action of detergents helps lift dirt and oils, enhancing the cleaning process, particularly in dishwashing and body wash applications.

Applications of Detergents

Industrial and Institutional Cleaning

In industrial and institutional settings, detergents are used for cleaning equipment, machinery, and surfaces. Industrial-grade detergents are designed for heavy-duty cleaning in factories, food processing plants, and hospitals, such as cleaning food-contact surfaces or degreasing machinery.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Applications

Detergents are essential in pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields for cell lysis, protein and nucleic acid extraction, and drug formulation. They help solubilize hydrophobic compounds and maintain emulsions in biological products.

Household Cleaning

Detergents are most commonly used in household cleaning products, such as laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners. They effectively remove dirt, grease, and stains from fabrics, dishes, and surfaces. Laundry detergents break down oils and dirt from clothing, while dishwashing detergents tackle grease and food residue.

Textile and Leather Industry

In the textile and leather industries, detergents are used for cleaning raw materials, during the dyeing process, and in finishing treatments. Detergents can help remove natural oils and impurities from textiles and leather, ensuring they are clean and ready for further processing. Specific detergents are used to prevent the formation of scale or stains during textile production and ensure the uniformity of color in dyed fabrics.

Why Choose BOC Sciences' Detergents?

BOC Sciences offers high-quality detergents designed to meet diverse needs across various industries. With over 20 years of expertise in cleaning solutions, our detergents excel in performance, safety, and versatility.

• Professional Production and R&D Team: Our expert team ensures that every product meets the highest quality standards through innovative research and advanced formulation techniques.
• Customized Solutions for Various Applications: We provide detergents tailored for household, industrial, biological, and pharmaceutical uses. Our portfolio includes enzyme-based, surfactant-rich, and eco-friendly solutions to address specific cleaning needs.
• High Purity and Superior Quality: We use the purest raw materials to ensure our detergents meet stringent industry standards, offering reliable and consistent performance for commercial and industrial use.
• Advanced Technological Formulations: Formulated with precise proportions of enzymes and surfactants, our detergents maximize efficiency, reducing the need for excessive chemicals and ensuring versatility across cleaning methods.

Detergents have a vast range of applications across different industries, each tailored to address specific cleaning needs, from household use to specialized scientific research. BOC Sciences is at the forefront of developing detergents that are not only effective but also environmentally conscious, meeting the diverse demands of various sectors. With their ability to emulsify, suspend, and remove contaminants, detergents continue to be indispensable tools in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and operational efficiency.