Surfactants as detergent scouring agent

The function of the detergent is to remove the dirt and dust particles and other constituents of the size such as china clay from the cotton fabric. The detergent keeps the soils in dispersed or suspended form in scouring solution and prevents redeposition on the fabric. Fig. 4-10 illustrates the sequence of events of soil removal. Adventitious dirt adhere to the fabric because the oil acts as an adhesive towards it. The fabric/soil/water interfaces not soluble in water is shown in 

CMC is used primarily in surfactants and PVP is used as bath additive. Further, CMC also forms a protective colloid with the soil and thus prevents soil redeposition on the cloth. The emulsion of oil and dirt should be stable, otherwise there will be redeposition. Ordinary soap and detergent is a good emulsifying agent. 

The most important consideration in scouring is the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant. A reservoir is established at the CMC and several factors become evident (Fig. 4-12). The detergency is at its maximum while the 

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