Nonionic Surfactants

Nonionic Surfactants are a type of surface-active agent in the activator adjuvant class that are made up of uncharged hydrophilic (i.e. water loving) and lipophilic (oil loving) components. These components form structures known as micelles that surround the pesticide active ingredient when in the tank mix solution. 

Once micelles reach the target as part of the spray solution, the lipophilic component rapidly reduces surface tension, allowing the droplet to spread across the leaf or pest surface. Droplet spread enhances contact through increased surface area, and results in improved potential for pesticide uptake.

Nonionic surfactants can also function as detergents, emulsifiers and foaming agents in a variety of adjuvant formulations and play an important part in pesticide spray applications.