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Soaps & Detergents, Paints | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

A soap is actually, a specific type of salt, the hydrogen alone of the fatty acid being replaced by a metal, which in common soaps is usually sodium. A typical commercial cleaning soap is prepared by reacting sodium hydroxide with a fatty acid. The lower the hydrogen content of the acid, the thinner the soap. The by-product of the reaction is glycerol. Many different carboxyl-containing substances are used, including, vegetable and animal oils, and fats, (stearic, palmitic, and oleic acids). Transparent soaps are made from decolourized fats.

How Soap WorksHow Soap Works

Heavy Metal Soaps (Metallic Soaps)

  • These are soaps formed by metals heavier than sodium ,aluminium, calcium, cobalt, lead, zinc.
  • These particular soaps do not dissolve in water. They are employed in the formulation of lubricating greases as thickeners and are also utilized in paints to serve as drying agents and agents that reduce gloss.

Metallic SoapsMetallic Soaps

  • A detergent is a substance that diminishes the surface tension of water. It is typically a surfactant that accumulates at the interface between oil and water, facilitating the creation of emulsions and assisting in the removal of oils.
  • Detergents are chemically distinct from soaps, which are salts of higher fatty acids.

Question for Soaps & Detergents, Paints
Try yourself:
What is the main difference between soap and detergent?
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Detergents

Synthetic detergents are preferred over soaps due to their economic and efficient cleaning properties, resistance to natural lime and magnesium salts, and consistent cleansing effectiveness.

Synthetic Detergents are preferred over SoapsSynthetic Detergents are preferred over Soaps

  • Synthetic detergents maintain their cleaning power in the presence of lime and magnesium salts, minimizing wastage.
  • Some synthetic detergents remain effective even in acidic solutions.
  • Household use of synthetic detergents includes powdered forms for laundry and textile cleaning, while liquid detergents are employed for dishwashing, and floor, and wall cleaning.
  • The main types of synthetic detergents are anionic, non-ionic, and ampholytic.
  • Anionic detergents, such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, are popular for their cleaning abilities.
  • Non-ionic detergents, like nonylphenol polyethylene oxide, are derived from ethylene oxide.
  • Ampholytic detergents, such as N-alkyl amino propionates, act as cations in acidic solutions and anions in alkaline solutions.
  • Linear alkyl benzene (LAB) is the most widely used group of synthetic detergents.

Paints 

  • Paints are composed of a mechanical mixture, comprising pigments and extenders suspended in a vehicle.
  • To achieve dilution or thinning, additional volatile liquids like turpentine or acetone are incorporated.

PaintsPaints

  • Extenders serve as low-density substances within the paint, effectively raising the pigment volume concentration while reducing gloss.
  • The vehicle refers to the liquid component of paint, encompassing drying oil or resin, solvent, and thinner, in which the solid elements are either dissolved or dispersed.

Question for Soaps & Detergents, Paints
Try yourself:
Which type of synthetic detergent acts as cations in acidic solutions and anions in alkaline solutions?
View Solution

Types of Paints

(A) Latex Paint: Latex paint is composed of dry powders, with the principal components being latex paints, styrene-butadiene, polyvinyl acetate, and acrylic resins.

(B) Inorganic Paint: Inorganic paint is a type of paint based on potassium silicate, which provides corrosion resistance. It is suitable for use on bridges and other metal structures exposed to marine environments.

(C) Metallic Paint: Metallic paint is a paint variety where the primary pigment consists of finely divided metal particles dispersed in a vehicle. One of the most common forms of metallic paint is aluminium paint.

The document Soaps & Detergents, Paints | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Science & Technology for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Soaps & Detergents, Paints - Science & Technology for UPSC CSE

1. What are heavy metal soaps?
Heavy metal soaps, also known as metallic soaps, are compounds formed by the reaction of a metal with a fatty acid. They are typically formed by mixing a metal salt with a fatty acid, resulting in the formation of a solid soap-like substance. These soaps have various industrial applications, such as stabilizers in plastics, lubricants, and catalysts in chemical reactions.
2. How are heavy metal soaps used in detergents?
Heavy metal soaps are commonly used in detergents as emulsifiers and dispersing agents. They help to solubilize oils and fats in water, allowing them to be easily washed away. The metal component of the soap acts as a catalyst, enhancing the detergent's cleaning power. Additionally, heavy metal soaps can also improve the foam stability and viscosity of detergents.
3. What role do heavy metal soaps play in paints?
In paints, heavy metal soaps act as driers or drying agents. They facilitate the oxidation and polymerization of the paint's binders, allowing the paint to dry faster. Heavy metal soaps, such as those containing cobalt, manganese, or zinc, are added to oil-based paints to speed up the drying process. These soaps also help to enhance the paint's durability and resistance to weathering.
4. What are the different types of paints?
There are various types of paints available, each with its own specific characteristics and uses. Some common types of paints include: - Latex or acrylic paints: These water-based paints are versatile, fast-drying, and easy to clean up. They are commonly used for interior walls and ceilings. - Oil-based paints: These paints have a higher durability and are suitable for use on wood, metal, and exterior surfaces. They take longer to dry and require paint thinner for cleanup. - Enamel paints: These paints provide a hard, glossy finish and are often used for furniture, trim, and appliances. - Spray paints: These paints are applied using aerosol cans and are popular for their convenience and ability to cover large areas quickly. - Specialty paints: There are also specific paints available for different purposes, such as primer paints, heat-resistant paints, and anti-mold paints.
5. How do soaps and detergents differ from each other?
Soaps and detergents are both cleaning agents but have some distinct differences. Soaps are derived from natural sources, such as animal fats or vegetable oils, and are generally biodegradable. They have a higher pH level and can leave residue in hard water. Detergents, on the other hand, are synthetic compounds that are specifically designed to remove dirt and stains. They have a lower pH level and are more effective in hard water. Detergents are also less likely to leave a residue compared to soaps.
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