Emulsifier FM (triethanolamine monooleate) is a nonionic surfactant, chemically an ester formed from triethanolamine and oleic acid (CAS No.: 2717-15-9). With excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, it is widely used in numerous industrial fields such as metalworking, personal care, textile auxiliaries, pesticide formulations, and industrial cleaning.
Detailed Description
Emulsifier FM, chemical name triethanolamine monooleate (Triethanolamine Oleate), also known as triethanolamine oleate soap or oleic acid triethanolamine salt, is a nonionic surfactant prepared by esterification of triethanolamine with oleic acid. The product appears as an amber to brown viscous liquid, belonging to O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifiers. It can quickly form stable, fine emulsion systems with mineral oils, vegetable oils, and various organic solvents.
As a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier FM possesses excellent broad compatibility, and can be arbitrarily compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, showing strong formulation adaptability. At the same time, it maintains structural stability and functional effectiveness under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions. This chemical stability allows it to function reliably under harsh operating conditions. In addition, the product provides auxiliary functions such as wetting, dispersing, and antistatic properties, which can reduce the dosage of auxiliary additives in composite formulations, optimizing overall cost.
It is worth noting that emulsifier FM has a certain tendency for rust protection on metal substrates, a feature particularly valuable in metalworking fluid formulations; in textile processing, it also imparts good softness and smooth hand feel to fibers. According to GHS classification, this product falls under Skin Sensitizer Category 1 (H317), and appropriate protective measures should be taken during handling.
Technical Parameters
According to the Guoli Chemical product database, the main technical characteristics of emulsifier FM are as follows:
| Parameter | Technical Index |
|---|
| Chemical Name | Triethanolamine monooleate |
| CAS No. | 2717-15-9 |
| Product Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Amber to brown viscous liquid |
| Ion Type | Nonionic |
| Emulsion Type | O/W type (oil-in-water) |
| Water Solubility | Self-emulsifying and dispersible in water |
| HLB Value | Not available |
| pH Value | Not available |
| Cloud Point | Not available |
| Hydroxyl Value | Not available |
Application Suggestions
The core application scenarios of emulsifier FM cover the following seven major fields:
- Metalworking Fluids: As the core emulsifier for emulsified cutting fluids and grinding fluids, it forms a stable emulsion with base oils while aiding in enhancing the anti-rust protection of the working fluid on metal surfaces, helping to extend tool life.
- Personal Care Products: In creams, lotions, shampoos, etc., it acts as a mild O/W emulsifier and emollient, helping to build a fine cream structure, improving spreadability and post-wash skin feel, with certain moisturizing and thickening effects.
- Textile Auxiliaries: Used in formulating softeners and antistatic agents, it imparts good softness and smooth hand feel to fabrics, effectively eliminating static buildup during synthetic fiber processing.
- Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifying and dispersing component in emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, etc., it promotes spontaneous formation of a uniform emulsion upon dilution of the pesticide active ingredient, enhancing leaf spreading ability and ensuring field application effectiveness.
- Industrial Cleaning: In industrial degreasers and hard surface cleaners, it enhances emulsification and removal of oils, delays redeposition of soil in the cleaning solution, significantly improving cleaning efficiency.
- Emulsion Polymerization: Used in emulsion polymerization of monomers such as acrylates and styrene-butadiene rubber, it provides a stable micelle environment, precisely controls latex particle size, and ensures smooth progress of the polymerization reaction.
- Inks and Coatings: In water-based ink and coating systems, it improves pigment wetting and dispersion, prevents settling and flocculation, while adjusting system viscosity, enhancing leveling and coating gloss.
Precautions
- Safety Warning: This substance is a skin sensitizer (GHS Category 1, H317) and may cause allergic skin reactions. Wear impermeable gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) and safety goggles during handling, avoiding direct skin contact and inhalation of vapors.
- First Aid Measures: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; if in eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention; if irritation or rash occurs, consult a doctor.
- Storage Conditions: Keep containers tightly closed, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, with temperature recommended at 5–35°C, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers, avoiding direct sunlight and freezing.
- Spill Handling: For small spills, absorb with inert absorbent material (e.g., sand, vermiculite) and dispose of in closed containers; for large spills, dike to contain spread, prevent entry into sewers and surface waters.
- Compatibility Note: It can be well compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, but should be stored separately from strong oxidizers and strong acids.
