Hand dishwashing detergents foam performance

There are several important physical and chemical parameters that characterize a surfactant and determine how it will perform in a dishwashing detergent. These parameters inclnde its critical micelle concentration, ability to pack at an air, oil, or solid interface, and ability to lower interfacial tension. Yet another important parameter is the extent to which varions snrfactants interact with each other to provide synergistic benefits. These fundamental characteristics determine how well the surfactant or snrfactant mixture will remove grease, how well it will foam, and even how irritating/mild it will be on hands. 

Foam is an esSfcntial attribute of a detergent product. In most cases, nice, rich, creamy foam is a signal of efficacy. It is the case of soaps (bars and liquids) and hand dishwashing and laundry products. In other cases, however, such as automatic dishwashing and machine laundry wash, foaming impairs performance as it reduces mechanical agitation. The theoretical aspects of foam are covered in detail in Chapter 9, whereas Chapter 10 addresses more practical aspects of foam. 

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