what is surfactant? what is its function

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what is surfactant? what is its function

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Surfactants are compounds that reduce the surface tension between two states of matter, i.e, between two liquids, between a liquid and a solid, or between a gas and a liquid.

They may act as detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, wetting agents, and foaming agents.

Detergents when added to a liquid, increase its spreading and wetting properties. They help a dye to penetrate a fabric evenly.

In biology, pulmonary surfactant is secreted in lungs that facilitate breathing by increasing total lung capacity. In respiratory distress syndrome, patients are treated with artificial surfactants that facilitate normal respiration, called surfactant replacement therapy.

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what is surfactant? what is its function

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