What is a dispersant?

Dispersants are non-surface active compounds or active substances added to a suspension (usually a mixture) to increase the separation of particles and prevent sinking or clumping. Dispersants can consist of one or more surfactants, but can also be gases.

Dispersants are mainly used in petroleum and heavy diesel oil. They are also used in engine oils, aviation fuel and many gear lubricants, as well as in concrete and cleaners.

Dispersants are also known as dispersants, softeners, plasticizers or superplasticizers.

Dispersants are lubricity additives that help prevent sludge, varnish and other deposits from forming on surfaces. Dispersants are added to lubricating oils used in automobile engines to inhibit the build-up of varnish-like deposits on cylinder walls and to gases to prevent the build-up of residues. Dispersants are important additives in engine oils to keep engine components clean. They are effective in both aqueous and non-aqueous environments.

Dispersants are also used in concrete mixtures to reduce water availability and maintain constant slump (flow) properties. This makes the concrete stronger and more resistant to water penetration.

Dispersants in oil drilling help break up solids or liquids into fine particles or droplets. Oil dispersants can be mixtures of surfactants and related solvents that help break up oil into tiny droplets after an oil spill.