Abstract: This one hour presentation on surfactants initially reviews the various types and chemical structures of commercially available surfactants. The presentation progresses to a better understanding of various surface activities including surface area, surface tension, surface pressure, wetting, surface transport and micelle formation. Then, we explore the world of foam with respect to how surface active agents stabilize and de-stabilize foam bubbles at the surface or as entrained air. Finally, a review of measuring surface tension under both static and dynamic conditions.
Bio: Sam Morell is a Chemical Engineering graduate of New York University and founder of samMorell.com; a specialty chemicals consulting firm. His work experience includes both technical and marketing positions at Rohm and Haas, BASF and Air Products and Chemicals. Mr. Morell has authored numerous technical articles on additives, pigments, and resins in a wide array of publications including PCI Magazine, Coatings World, The American Ink Maker, and Adhesives Age. He has also presented technical papers, short courses and workshops at various regional, national and international symposiums including The American Coatings Show, The Waterborne Symposium, The European Coatings Show and Coatings Trends and Technologies.