Important advances in the tools available for studying the activity of surfactants has significantly increased scientific understanding of interfaces at the molecular level. The third edition of this successful classic presents a solid introduction and state-of-the-art findings in the field of surfactants in an original, accessible text. Written for beginners and nonspecialists needing a practical but not necessarily comprehensive knowledge of surfactants, this cogent text conveys the most fundamental and useful concepts of surfactant action and application. Chapters new to this edition bring the reader up to date on current biological and medical applications, as well as applications in food science, cosmetics, and other areas.

From the Preface: “...Without changing the fundamental philosophy and goals of the previous editions, this third edition was prepared with three major ideas in mind: (1) to maintain the basic content of the work, (2) to maintain the `readability' of the book for nonspecialists, and (3) to improve the book's utility as a source of basic concepts concerning surfactants and their applications. A limited number of problems are provided at the end of each chapter (except Chapter 1) to illustrate some of the concepts discussed...”

Target Audience: Surface and polymer chemists, chemical and industrial engineers, and students in a wide range of chemistry curricula.

Table of Contents:

An Overview of Surfactant Science and Technology

The Organic Chemistry of Surfactants

Fluid Surfaces and Interfaces

Surfactants in Solution: Monolayers and Micelles

Higher-Level Surfactant Aggregate Structures: Liquid Crystals, Continuous Biphases, and Microemulsions

Solubilization and Micellar and Phase Transfer Catalysis

Polymeric Surfactants and Surfactant—Polymer Interactions

Foams and Liquid Aerosols

Emulsions

Solid Surfaces and Dispersions

Bibliography

Index