Surfactants are manufactured on a large scale throughout the world mostly by multinational companies. The term "feedstock" refers to a raw material that can either be either natural or synthetic.

Synthetic feedstocks

 

PetrochemicalSynthetic or petrochemical feedstocks are produced by oil, gas and chemical processing. Synthetic alcohols are further processed (ethoxylation or sulphation is also included) to create a variety of surfactant molecules.

 

Their synthetic structure allows for an exact control of the molecular structure during manufacturing, allowing them to attain specific physical and performance. They are also chemically flexible, and are suitable for use with a variety of other chemicals and substances.

 

They can also be combined with other components like surfactants to make a final formula that meets specific application requirements.

 

Renewable feedstocks

 

Natural (also called bio-based or Oleo), nonionic surfactant suppliers are derived from the plant oils, mostly palm kernel and coconut. They are renewable that come from huge tropical plantations typically providing the same amount of yield for more than 25 years prior to replanting.

 

To create a fatty alcohol, the plant oils are chemically treated (including hydrogenation and esterification). Although their origin may be quite different but these alcohols are very similar to synthetic counterparts and consequently undergo similar chemical processing steps to produce the end product IRO Surfactant.

 

Although natural feedstocks may be considered more sustainable, there are other aspects to be taken into consideration when assessing sustainability as well as the whole surfactant life cycle.

 

Manufacturing compatibility

 

The main difference in the technical aspects between the two feedstock types is the fact that synthetic feedstocks feature higher molecular flexibility (called branching) that can provide additional formulation flexibility and enhanced performance for highly challenging surfactant applications.

 

But, producers are able to use both feedstocks in combination or separately depending on the market demand, economics availability, and other aspects. As a result that surfactants with at least one component made from renewable raw materials currently have around 50 percent of the overall market for surfactants in Europe.

 

No matter the source of the feedstocks used, the bulk of production of surfactants occurs in industrial plants of large size and under controlled conditions.

 

Surfactants in the end are delivered to converters and formulators in many downstream industries, one of the biggest being detergent producers or'soapers'. they turn into products that are suitable for industrial and consumer clients. Today, surfactant chemistry is one of the best researched and researched fields. This allows for safe and secure production and the use of different kinds of surfactants. Each is unique in its performance and is suitable for a wide range of applications. Many of these substances are a great supplement to our lives.