Petrochemical versus Renewable Oleochemical-Based Surfactants

PETROCHEMICAL VERSUS RENEWABLE OLEOCHEMICAL-BASED SURFACTANTS 

As will be shown in Chapter 2, all surfactants have the same basic structure a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-hating) tail, which is almost always a long chain of carbon atoms. The tails, which are hydro-phobic, interact with nonaqueous phases or surfaces (or themselves) while the heads try to improve the relationship of the system with the aqueous phase. One might think of the surfactant as the arbiter in the conflict between water and the nonaqueous world. 

Presently, about 50% of the surfactants used in the surfactant industry are derived from petrochemical raw materials, and the other 50% are derived from oleochemical raw materials. The most important smfactants used in consumer detergents are anionic and nonionic materials. The alcohols used are linear or essentially linear, which results in a more rapid and complete biodegradation of both oleochemical- and petrochemical-derived detergent smfactants. 

The surfactants currently available for industrial applications can be separated into two groups those that have a natural or renewable origin derived from oil seed crops, animal fats, or trees, and those derived from petroleum distillates. There has been a great deal of debate on the pros and cons of these two types of sourcing. Renewable surfactant feedstocks are often perceived as being better for the environment and should therefore be the first choice for environmentally friendly products. But is that analysis of the simation scientific fact or spiritually pleasing fiction Are renewable chemicals necessarily better for the environment because they are derived from plant and animal fats and oils As with most scientific, political, and social questions, there is no easy answer. 

The popular perception that natural products are always better for the environment than are synthetics has led to the suggestion that petrochemical surfactants should be replaced with surfactants based on renewable oilseed or animal-fat-derived materials because the change would improve the environmental profile or impact of surfactant containing products. While there may be good arguments for switching based on perceived long-term raw-materials availability and the renewable nature of the beast, a total substitution is not possible or possibly even desirable for many reasons. 

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PETROCHEMICAL VERSUS RENEWABLE OLEOCHEMICAL-BASED SURFACTANTS... 

In looking at the life cycle analysis of surfactants based on renewable materials versus petrochemical feedstocks there are pros and cons to each side. Petrochemical processes use more energy but generate less waste whereas agricultural processes generate more waste and gaseous emissions. However, the opportunities for efficiency improvements are greater in the oleochemical and allied industries than in the petrochemical industry [40]. 

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