Abstract
The washing mechanisms of fabrics detergent were studied from the standpoints of builder effects and physico-chemical properties of new surfactants.
The builder effects of zeolite and water-soluble builders were determined from zeta potential and potential energy by the DLVO theory and hetero coagulation theory. Zeolite was found to have antiredeposition effect due to coagulation with soil particles in detergent solution. The effects of water-soluble builders came about through changes in potential energy of the soil and fabric, due to adsorption on the fabric and increase in the zeta potential.
α-sulfo fatty acid methyl esters showed good detergency performance. Detergency was found closely correlated with good properties such as high calcium tolerance, superior emulsification power, and high solubilization capacity.
