Dispersing agent

A dispersant or a dispersing agent or a plasticizer or a superplasticizer is either a non-surface active polymer or a surface-active substance added to a suspension, usually a colloid, to improve the separation of and to prevent settling or . Dispersants consist normally of one or more surfactants, but may also be gases.

Automotive engine oils contain both detergents and dispersants. Metallic-based detergents prevent the accumulation of varnish like deposits on the cylinder walls and they also neutralize acids. Dispersants keep contaminants in suspension.

Dispersants added to gasoline prevent the buildup of gummy residues.

Dispersants are used to prevent formation of biofouling or biofilms in industrial processes. It is also possible to disperse bacterial slime and increase the efficiency of biocides.

Dispersants/plasticizer/superplasticizers are used in the concrete mix (sand, stone, cement and water) to lower the use of water and still keeping the same slump (flow) property. This makes the concrete stronger and more impervious to water penetration

Dispersing agents are the principal applications of detergents for which the liquid bath is water. Detergents also are used as emulsifiers in many applications..

A dispersant/plasticizer is added to the gypsum wallboard slurry to reduce the amount of water used, while maintaining the same slump as the slurry without dispersant. The lower water usage allows lower energy use to dry the wallboard, since less water is present in the wallboard

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