Fabric Softeners and Disinfectants

Uses of Surfactants: Fabric Softeners and Disinfectants

Fabric softeners and disinfectants sometimes contain cationic surfactants in which the surfactant part of the molecule is a positive ion. The quarternary ammonium salts are cationic surfactants which contain 4 groups attached to a nitrogen atom, which carries a positive charge. Cationic surfactants and anionic surfactants cannot be used together because the oppositely charged ions would react and cancel each other out.

Some cationic surfactants are used as disinfectants because of their germicidal action. Others, such as dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, are fabric softeners. Such compounds form a film on the fabric's surface and lubricate the fibres, making a softer, more flexible fabric.