Belgorod scientists create a biodegradable detergentScience and technology20:09 | 13 June 2023

Scientists from Belgorod State National Research University (NRU “BelGU”) have developed a new method for obtaining highly biodegradable synthetic detergents. This method is patented and can be used to produce environmentally friendly household and technical detergents. Improving biodegradability will help reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Generally, sodium compounds (LABS) are used in the manufacture of synthetic detergents, one of the most common ingredients. However, their biodegradability is insufficient, and a significant part of these substances remains in water bodies even after passing through the treatment plant. Scientists are working to improve the process of obtaining LABS to create a more biodegradable base for detergents.

To obtain LABS, the researchers proposed a new method of obtaining LABS, which includes alkylation of benzene with internal olefins in the presence of hydrogen fluoride, sulfonation of alkylbenzenes with sulfuric gas, and neutralization of the resulting alkylbenzenesulfonic acids with alkali. A feature of this approach is a certain mass ratio of the elements of the mixture of “linear” alkylbenzenes. The results of the studies showed that the new method creates a base that adapts quickly to activated sludge and is fully biodegradable up to 95%. In addition, the new soleplate reduces the amount of non-biodegradable pollutants in the water by 15-20%.

This new process for producing highly biodegradable synthetic detergents represents a significant advance towards environmentally friendly products. It will reduce the negative impact on the environment and improve the condition of the environment. The application of this method in detergent production will contribute to the creation of safer and more effective products for domestic and industrial use.