surface-active agent A substance that, when used in small quantities, modifies the surface properties of liquids or solids. A surface-active agent reduces surface tension in a fluid or the interfacial tension between two immiscible fluids, such as oil and water. Surfactants are particularly useful in accomplishing the wetting or penetration of solids by aqueous liquids and serve in the manner of detergent, emulsifying, or dispersing agents. They are more effective than soap in certain situations and are used by conservators for such purposes as cleaning, wetting, and dispersing | 表面活性剂 (小批量使用,用于改变液体或固体表面性质一种物质。采用表面活性剂降低表面流体或两个不混溶流体如油和水的界面张力。表面活性剂,特别是用于水的液体或固体润湿渗透有益和服务方式的洗涤剂,乳化或分散剂。他们比在某些情况下肥皂用作上述用途的清洗润湿方面更有效,且被环保专家用于此类目的的清洁、润湿和分散。) |