An overview of the functioning, types, and applications of surface active agents (surfactants) in multiphase flow

In this article, Surface Active Agents (Surfactants) and its effect on the Multiphase Flow have been studied. First, the functioning of surfactants has been explained. For this purpose, the definitions of surface tension and how it changes in the presence of surfactants have been investigated. Also, the physics of surfactant distribution in multiphase flow and its absorption and repulsion at the interface have been reported. The physical changes of the two-phase interface due to the presence of surfactants have been investigated through the balance of forces and the change in surface tension and the definition of the Marangoni effect. Types of surfactants and their properties are stated. Finally, the important applications of surfactants in industry and daily life are mentioned in detail. This review shows that surfactants as one of the effective factors on multiphase flow need to be studied more and more. A better understanding of these materials can be very useful in manipulating and optimizing multiphase flow applications.