The aim of the research project is to develop hydrochromic surfactant systems and disinfectant cleaners based on such surfactant systems that enable visual monitoring of surface wetting during cleaning/disinfection processes (e.g. during the wiping process for the maintenance cleaning of resilient floor coverings and the subsequent exposure time of the disinfectant cleaner).

The hydrochromic surfactant systems change their absorption behavior and thus their color (e.g. from transparent to red) when solvated by water. In the solvated state (e.g. in the disinfectant cleaner solution) they show absorption in the visible range (colored state of the hydrochromic surfactant systems), while in the non-solvated state (e.g. after the drying process) they absorb outside the visible range (transparent state of the hydrochromic surfactant systems).

Due to the color of the surfactant systems in the solvated state, it is possible to distinguish directly between areas that have been cleaned/disinfected and those that still need to be cleaned/disinfected. Since the hydrochromic surfactant systems change to the transparent state immediately after the drying process, compliance with the exposure time can be visually verified.

Using disinfectant cleaners based on hydrochromic surfactant systems, any errors that occur (e.g. insufficient wetting in an area that is difficult to access) can be corrected immediately, significantly increasing process reliability. Furthermore, simple and immediate documentation of the quality of cleaning/disinfection measures carried out (e.g. by means of photos) is possible.