Cationic Surfactants Commonly Used in Detergents

Cationic surfactants are components with good bactericidal, algaecidal, antifungal, softening, anti-static and conditioning properties. The roles in detergents are: softener, biocide, antistatic, conditioning agent, etc.

Cationic surfactants produced by surfactant manufacturers commonly used in detergents include alkyl quaternary ammonium salts, ester-based quaternary ammonium salts and polymeric cationic surfactants. Here are seven commonly used cationic surfactants provided by the cationic surfactant supplier:

1. Dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride

Properties: good foam and chemical stability, heat resistance, light resistance, also has a variety of properties such as bactericidal, emulsification, anti-static, soft conditioning, etc., easily soluble in water, and not affected by water hardness.

2. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride

Properties: good anti-static and softness properties and excellent antiseptic and anti-fungal action. Somewhat irritating to the eyes.

3. Octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride

Properties: Excellent permeability, softness, anti-static and antiseptic properties, soluble in alcohols and hot water, poor detergency and foaming properties. Slightly irritating in terms of safety.

4. Ammonium methyl dithionyl ethyl-2-hydroxyethyl sulfate

Properties: grey-white paste or solid, good storage stability, easy to disperse in cold water, 2.5%-3.0% dispersion can be prepared in a small amount of electrolyte, good re-wetting.

5. Methyl N-methyl-N-tallow-aminoethyl-2-oxoimidazolinium sulphate

Properties: viscous liquid and turbid, can be turned into a transparent liquid at 50°C. It has excellent softness, anti-static properties, good rewetting and biodegradability. 

6. Polyquaternium salt

Properties: Hair conditioning, conditioning, styling and skin moisturising.

7. Cationic guar gum

Properties: Conditioning for hair and skin. When used as a conditioning agent, it enhances the effect of anionic surfactants.