Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (Alcohol Ethoxylate, referred to as AEO) is a common type of nonionic surfactant produced by the addition reaction of fatty alcohol and ethylene oxide. This product has relatively wide applications in detergents, textiles, emulsification, industrial cleaning, and other fields.
Product Basic Characteristics
The structure of AEO contains both a lipophilic group (fatty alcohol carbon chain) and a hydrophilic group (polyoxyethylene chain). By adjusting the carbon chain length and the number of ethylene oxide (EO) adducts, products with different performance characteristics can be obtained.
In terms of physical and chemical properties, AEO exhibits the following characteristics:
Solubility: As the EO adduct number increases, water solubility improves accordingly. Products with lower EO adduct numbers (n ≤ 5) are readily soluble in oil, while those with higher EO adduct numbers (n ≥ 7) are readily soluble in water.
Chemical Stability: The ether bonds in the molecule are not easily broken by acids or alkalis, remaining hydrolytically stable within the pH 3~11 range.
Electrolyte Tolerance: Insensitive to hard water and can be used in water with certain hardness levels.
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable with good environmental compatibility.
Compatibility with Other Surfactants: Good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.
Main Grades and Specifications
Based on the number of EO adducts, AEO can be divided into several grades with different application characteristics:
| Grade | EO Adducts | Appearance | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEO-3 | 3 | Yellowish to yellow oily liquid | Strong lipophilicity | W/O emulsifier, AES raw material |
| AEO-4 | 4 | Yellowish to yellow oily liquid | Good lipophilicity | Emulsifier, fiber oil agent |
| AEO-7 | 7 | Transparent liquid | Good water solubility | Degreaser, hard surface cleaning, metalworking fluids |
| AEO-9 | 9 | Milky white to light yellow paste | Excellent water solubility | Emulsification, detergency, wetting; wide range of applications |
Note: Appearance and specific specifications may vary among different product grades. The above are typical reference values.
Main Application Areas
1. Detergents and Household Cleaning Products
AEO is a common component in liquid detergent formulations, providing good emulsifying, foaming, and detergency properties. It is used as a main active ingredient in hand soaps, laundry detergents, body washes, dishwashing liquids, and similar products. AEO-9 can effectively remove stains from fabrics while causing relatively low fiber damage.
2. Textile and Dyeing Industry
In the textile industry, AEO can be used as a penetrant, leveling agent, and scouring agent. Its functions include:
Assisting uniform dispersion of dyes, reducing uneven dyeing
Use as a wool scouring agent and degreaser
Use in fabric refining processes to remove natural impurities from fibers
3. Industrial Cleaning and Metalworking
Grades such as AEO-7 can be used in hard surface cleaners, degreasers, and metalworking fluids. AEO acts as an oil emulsifier in metal cleaners and is suitable for cleaning mechanical parts, marine equipment, electronic components, and similar applications.
4. Emulsifier Applications
Depending on the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value, AEO can be used to prepare oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. Specific applications include:
Pesticide emulsifiers
Lubricating oil emulsifiers
Crude oil demulsifiers
Emulsification and dispersion of pigment pastes and brighteners
5. Paper Industry
In papermaking processes, AEO can be used as a deinking agent, felt cleaner, and resin remover, assisting in the removal of impurities from pulp.
6. Other Industrial Uses
Leather Industry: Used as a degreasing agent to remove oils and fats from leather
Oilfield Chemicals: Used in crude oil demulsification
Paints and Coatings: Used as a wetting and dispersing aid
Fiberglass: Used as an emulsifier in drawing oil formulations
Technical Data Reference (Typical Range)
The following are typical performance parameters for common AEO grades:
| Parameter | AEO-3 | AEO-4 | AEO-7 | AEO-9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellowish to yellow oily liquid | Yellowish to yellow oily liquid | Colorless transparent liquid | Milky white to light yellow paste |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.0-8.0 | 5.0-7.0 | 5.0-7.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤1.0 |
| HLB Value | - | - | ~12 | ~13-14 |
Note: The above data represent typical product performance ranges. Different product specifications may vary. Please refer to specific product test reports for accurate values.
Usage Recommendations
Dosage/Application Rate: Appropriate dosage should be determined through trials based on the specific application. In detergent formulations, it is typically used in combination with other surfactants.
Dissolution Method: Can be dissolved in water or added directly to the system. Lower EO grades (such as AEO-3) should be first dissolved in the oil phase before use.
Compatibility with Other Substances: AEO has generally good compatibility with most surfactants and auxiliaries. Compatibility verification is recommended during formulation development.
Handling Precautions: Standard chemical handling procedures apply. Prolonged skin contact and inhalation of high concentrations should be avoided.
Packaging and Storage
Packaging Forms: Commonly available in 200kg galvanized iron drums, plastic drums and IBC tank.
Storage Conditions: Recommended storage in a cool, well-ventilated, dry warehouse away from ignition sources and heat, protected from direct sunlight.
Transportation Requirements: This product should be transported according to general chemical transport regulations. Packaging containers should be inspected for integrity and proper sealing before transport to ensure no leakage, falling, or damage during transit.
For product technical data sheets (TDS) or application technical support for specific grades, please contact our sales or technical department. We will provide reasonable recommendations based on your application scenario.