Foaming agent 2431881 193136823 2008-02-21T22:35:54Z Loadmaster 842485 added References sect, combined related sentences into same para A '''foaming agent''' is a surfactant, which when present in small amounts, facilitates the formation of a [[foam]], or enhances its colloidal stability by inhibiting the coalescence of bubbles.<ref>1972, 31, 612IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology 2nd Edition (1997)</ref> [[Sodium laureth sulfate]], or sodium lauryl ether sulfate ('''SLES'''), is a [[detergent]] and [[surfactant]] found in many personal care products ([[soap]]s, [[shampoo]]s, [[toothpaste]] etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective [[foam]]er. [[Sodium lauryl sulfate]] (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate or '''SLS''') and [[ammonium lauryl sulfate]] ('''ALS''') are commonly used alternatives to SLES in consumer products.<ref name="SLES_Product_Identification">Sodium Laureth Sulfate POE(2). Chemical Land 21, Seoul, Korea. [http://www.chemicalland21.com/specialtychem/perchem/SODIUM%20LAURETH%20SULFATE.htm Product Identification]</ref> While SLS is a known irritant,<ref name="Agner_T">Agner T. Susceptibility of atopic dermatitis patients to irritant dermatitis caused by sodium lauryl sulphate. ''Acta Derm Venereol.'' 1991;71(4):296-300. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1681644 Abstract]</ref><ref name="A._Nassif_1994">A. Nassif, S. C. Chan, F. J. Storrs and J. M. Hanifin. Abstract: Abnormal skin irritancy in atopic dermatitis and in atopy without dermatitis. ''Arch Dermatol.'' November 1994;130(11):1402. [http://archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/130/11/1402 Abstract]</ref> some evidence and research suggest that SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure.<ref name="Allergic_Contact_Dermatitis">Magnusson B, Gilje O. Allergic contact dermatitis from a dish-washing liquid containing lauryl ether sulphate. ''Acta Derm Venereol.'' 1973;53(2):136-40. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=4120956 Abstract]</ref><ref name="Shampoo_Dermatitis">Van Haute N, Dooms-Goossens A. Shampoo dermatitis due to cocobetaine and sodium lauryl ether sulphate. ''Contact Dermatitis.'' 1983 Mar;9(2):169. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=6851541 Abstract]</ref> Also, a '''foaming agent''' is a material that will [[chemical decomposition|decompose]] to release a [[gas]] under certain conditions (typically high temperature), which can be used to turn a [[liquid]] into a [[foam]]. For example, powdered [[titanium hydride]] is used as a foaming agent in the production of [[metal foam]]s, as it decomposes to form [[titanium]] and [[hydrogen]] gas at elevated temperatures. [[Zirconium(II) hydride]] is used for the same purpose. ==References== {{reflist}} ==See also== *[[Anti-foaming agent]] *[[Carrageenan]] {{E number infobox 990-999}} [[Category:Foams]] {{ingredient-stub}} [[es:Espumante]] [[ru:Пенообразователь]]