The surface adsorption of the surfactant refers to the adsorption phenomenon of the surfactant molecule on the surface of the liquid. When the surfactant is dissolved in water or other solvents, a molecular layer is formed on the surface of the liquid due to the special properties of the molecular structure. This molecular layer can reduce the surface tension of the liquid and make it more likely to deform.
The surface adsorption of the surfactant is affected by various factors, including the nature of the surfactant itself, the nature of the solvent, the temperature, and the concentration. On the surface of the liquid, the surfactant molecule will adsorb in two directions. The hydrophobic group of some molecules interacts with the molecules in the solvent; the hydrophilic group of the other part of the molecule is facing the surface of the liquid to interact with the molecules in the air or other media. This adsorption phenomenon can form a stable molecular layer called the surface adsorption layer.
The surface adsorption of the surfactant can change the nature of the liquid surface. By reducing the surface tension of liquid, the surface active agent enables the liquid to better moist and expand, thereby promoting the process of emulsification, decentralization and stability. The formation of the surface adsorption layer can also affect the solubility and response rate of substances in the liquid.
It should be noted that the surface adsorption of the surfactant is a dynamic balance process. On the surface of the liquid, the molecules of surfactants will continue to adsorb and reconcile and maintain dynamic balance. This balance is affected by various factors, such as temperature, concentration, and flow conditions.