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Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (AEO): Performance Characteristics, Application Areas, and Selection Guide

release date:2026-07-06 11:26 Views:

1. Product Overview

Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (Alcohol Ethoxylate, referred to as AEO) is a type of nonionic surfactant produced by the condensation reaction of fatty alcohol and ethylene oxide through addition polymerization. The general molecular formula is RO-(CH₂CH₂O)n-H. The product appearance varies from transparent liquid to milky white paste or solid, depending on the degree of polymerization.

AEO series products offer multiple performance characteristics including emulsifying, detergency, wetting, dispersing, and soil removal. They exhibit good stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water, are biodegradable, and are environmentally friendly. The products are widely used in daily chemical washing, textile printing and dyeing, leather processing, metal cleaning, pesticide emulsification, papermaking, and other industrial sectors.

2. Typical Technical Specifications

AEO series products are designated by numeric suffixes (e.g., AEO-3, AEO-7, AEO-9) indicating different ethylene oxide addition numbers. Different grades vary in physicochemical properties and HLB values.

GradeAppearance (25°C)Cloud Point (1% aq.)

Hydroxyl Value

 (mgKOH/g)

HLB ValuepH (1% aq.)
AEO-3Transparent liquid145±46–75.0–7.0
AEO-5Milky white paste115±48.5–9.55.0–7.0
AEO-7Milky white paste≥50°C10–115.0–7.0
AEO-8Milky white paste92±311–125.0–7.0
AEO-9White paste/solid75–88°C86±312.5–13.56.0–7.0
AEO-10Milky white solidHigher13.86.0–7.0
AEO-15Milky white solid81–85°C*14–155.0–7.0
AEO-20Milky white solid88–91°C*15–165.0–7.0

*Note: * indicates measured in 5% NaCl solution. The above data represent typical specifications. Values may vary by grade or batch. Please refer to the product test report for specific parameters.

3. Key Performance Characteristics of AEO Series

3.1 Emulsifying Properties

AEO series products possess emulsifying properties, capable of dispersing oily substances uniformly into aqueous systems to form stable emulsions. Low EO number products such as AEO-3 are readily soluble in oils and are suitable for W/O emulsions. High EO number products such as AEO-9 and AEO-10 are readily soluble in water and are suitable for O/W emulsions.

3.2 Detergency and Soil Removal

Products such as AEO-7 and AEO-9 provide detergency and soil removal capabilities, performing well in applications including fabric scouring, wool degreasing, and metal surface cleaning.

3.3 Wetting and Dispersing Properties

The AEO series exhibits wetting and dispersing properties. In the textile printing and dyeing industry, it can be used as a leveling agent, retarding agent, and penetrating agent to help dyes distribute uniformly.

3.4 Chemical Stability

The AEO series shows good stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water, and can be used in combination with other anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants.

3.5 Environmentally Friendly Characteristics

AEO series products are nonionic surfactants with biodegradable properties. Products made from C12-C16 natural fatty alcohols offer better environmental compatibility.

4. Main Application Areas

4.1 Daily Chemical Washing Industry

AEO-9, AEO-7, and other products are raw materials for household and industrial detergents:

  • Liquid Detergents: Used in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, hand soaps, and other formulations

  • Personal Care Products: Used in body washes, shampoos, and other products

  • Industrial Detergents: Used in metal cleaning and industrial equipment cleaning

4.2 Textile Printing and Dyeing Industry

The AEO series has a relatively wide range of uses in textile printing and dyeing processing:

  • Leveling Agents and Retarding Agents: AEO-9 and AEO-10 can be used in dyeing processes to help dyes distribute uniformly

  • Scouring Agents and Detergents: AEO-7 is used in wool scouring and fabric refining

  • Synthetic Fiber Oil Components: AEO-10 is used as a component in synthetic fiber spinning oils

  • Silicone Oil Emulsification and Penetrating Agents: AEO-9 is used for emulsifying silicone oil and other auxiliaries

4.3 Industrial Emulsification and Cleaning

  • Emulsifiers: AEO-3 is used for emulsifying mineral oils and aliphatic solvents; AEO-9 is used for emulsifying hydrocarbon solvents

  • Metal Cleaners: Used for oil removal in metal processing

  • Leather Degreasing: AEO-9 is used for degreasing leather and hides

4.4 Other Industrial Sectors

  • Pesticide Emulsifiers: Used in pesticide formulation

  • Papermaking Industry: Used as deinking agents and felt cleaners

  • Cosmetics and Ointments: Used as emulsifiers

5. Usage Recommendations and Precautions

5.1 Product Selection

Different EO number AEO products are suitable for different applications:

  • AEO-3, AEO-5: Low HLB values, suitable for W/O emulsions

  • AEO-7, AEO-9: Medium to high HLB values, suitable for O/W emulsions and detergents

  • AEO-15, AEO-20: High HLB values, suitable for dispersants and leveling agents

5.2 Dissolution and Use

The solubility of the AEO series at room temperature may vary. It is recommended to dissolve and use at slightly above room temperature. AEO-9 can be dissolved in water at slightly above room temperature, forming a clear and transparent aqueous solution.

5.3 Storage Conditions

Products should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture. AEO-9 appears as a white paste at room temperature and may solidify at low temperatures. It can be warmed appropriately before use.

5.4 Environmental and Safety Considerations

AEO series products are non-toxic and non-flammable, and can be stored and transported as general chemicals. Selecting APEO-free AEO products helps meet environmental requirements.

6. How to Choose AEO Products?

When selecting AEO series products, consider the following aspects:

1. EO Number (Grade) Selection
Choose the appropriate EO number based on the specific application: for emulsification, focus on HLB value matching; for detergency, focus on soil removal and wetting performance.

2. Active Content
Quality AEO products typically have an active content ≥99%. Pay attention to the content specifications in product test reports.

3. Color and Appearance
Color is a direct indicator of product purity. Products with lighter color (Pt-Co color ≤30–50) are preferable.

4. Raw Material Source
Products made from natural fatty alcohols (such as C12-C14 alcohols) offer better biodegradability and environmental compatibility.

5. Supplier Qualifications
Choose suppliers that can provide product test reports, stable supply capability, and technical support.

7. About Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical

Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical Co., Ltd. (www.xzhch.com) is a supplier specializing in concrete admixtures and construction chemical raw materials, established in 2009. The company's product range includes AEO series surfactants, polycarboxylate superplasticizers, sodium gluconate, lignosulfonate series, and 3-mercaptopropionic acid.

The company has experience in the supply of AEO series surfactant products, serving applications including daily chemical washing, textile printing and dyeing, and industrial cleaning.

8. Conclusion

Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (AEO), as a type of nonionic surfactant, provides emulsifying, detergency, wetting, and dispersing functions in daily chemical washing, textile printing and dyeing, industrial emulsification, and other applications. When selecting AEO products, factors such as EO number matching, active content, raw material source, and supplier capabilities may be considered.

Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical Co., Ltd. is committed to providing AEO series surfactants and construction chemical raw material solutions to its customers.

Contact Us:

Company: Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical Co., Ltd.
Website: www.xzhch.com
Phone: +86 13889850231
Email: sales01@xzhch.com
Address: No. 33, Nan'er Road, Heping District, Shenyang, China