Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have been doing research on different types of chemical dispersants to use in my experiment testing the affects of dispersants on crude oil. All the dispersants are either toxic or unobtainable. Are there any household cleaning solutions that are similar to real dispersants? I already have dish soap, which is similar to one type of dispersant. Can I mix different soaps and things together to make my own?

Your question is best answered by a chemist. I am not a chemist, but I can steer you to some good information about dispersants and their use.

Here is a good place to start: http://www.itopf.com/spill-response/cle ... spersants/. Note the link to the technical paper at the bottom of this web page.

From the information here, you should be able to create your own dispersants to conduct experiments. There are many solvents available. Surfactants are harder to find, but are available. Some are available through agricultural supply houses, such as Gempler's. Surfactants are used in agriculture to improve the effectiveness of herbicides and pesticides.

CAUTION - BEFORE YOU BEGIN WORKING WITH ANY CHEMICALS BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY, AND GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR SCIENCE PROJECT ADVISER OR SPONSOR TO WORK WITH THOSE CHEMICALS.

SAFETY FIRST!!!