Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether AC-1820 (CAS No.: 26635-75-6) is a nonionic surfactant prepared by the polymerization reaction of octadecyl fatty amine (stearyl amine) as the starting raw material with ethylene oxide (20 EO units). Its molecular structure endows it with dual ionic properties: it manifests as a stable nonionic surfactant under neutral and alkaline conditions, while in acidic media, the tertiary amine group protonates and exhibits cationic surfactant behavior.
This unique pH-sensitive ion conversion characteristic is the core technical advantage of AC-1820. As a nonionic type, it provides excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, with high tolerance to hard water and acidic/alkaline environments. When converted to a cationic type in an acidic system, it exhibits strong affinity for negatively charged substrates such as fibers and metals, thus combining substrate adsorption and emulsion stability. This "dual-activity in one agent" feature enables extremely high application flexibility in complex formulation systems.
AC-1820 is usually a paste or waxy solid at room temperature, with good chemical stability and compatibility. It can be compounded with various ionic and nonionic surfactants, making it an important functional additive in fine chemical formulations.
1. Textile Dyeing and Finishing Auxiliary
As a core component of acid dye leveling agents, AC-1820 effectively controls the dye uptake rate in acidic dye baths, preventing uneven dyeing and color spots. It has high affinity for wool and nylon fibers, promotes dye penetration and diffusion, significantly improves dyeing uniformity and color fastness, and is particularly suitable for dyeing processes of wool, nylon, and their blended fabrics.
2. Agrochemicals
Used as a high-efficiency emulsifier in formulations of pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, water emulsions, and microemulsions. AC-1820 provides excellent emulsion stability, ensuring that the pesticide active ingredients maintain good dispersion under hard water and wide temperature conditions, while enhancing the wetting, spreading, and adhesion of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces, effectively increasing pesticide utilization.
3. Industrial Cleaning and Metal Processing
In acidic cleaners, it possesses both emulsifying and corrosion-inhibiting functions. Its molecules can form a dense protective film on the surface of metals such as carbon steel and copper, effectively inhibiting acid corrosion; at the same time, with strong dispersing ability, it rapidly removes oil stains and solid particles from metal surfaces. It can also be used as a corrosion inhibitor and lubricating component in metalworking fluids such as cutting fluids and grinding fluids, extending the life of workpieces and tools.
4. Other Industrial Applications
This product is classified as causing skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319), and is harmful to aquatic life (H402). During operation, chemical protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing must be worn, and ensure good ventilation. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water. The product should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment, keep the container tightly closed, and do not discharge directly into water bodies or the environment. For detailed safety information, please refer to the product Safety Data Sheet.