What is Emulsifier FM (Triethanolamine Monooleate)? What are its main uses?

Emulsifier FM (Triethanolamine Monooleate) is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as an amber to brown viscous liquid. It possesses excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing functions and is widely used in numerous industrial fields such as metalworking fluids, cosmetics, textile auxiliaries, pesticide formulations, and industrial cleaning.

Detailed Description

Emulsifier FM, chemical name Triethanolamine Monooleate (CAS No.: 2717-15-9), also known as triethanolamine oleate soap, triethanolamine monooleate soap, oleic acid triethanolamine salt, TEA Oleate, etc., is one of the core products of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. This product is a nonionic surfactant, prepared by the reaction of triethanolamine with oleic acid. Its molecular structure contains hydrophilic triethanolamine groups and lipophilic long-chain oleic acid groups, endowing it with excellent oil-water interfacial activity.

The core characteristics of Emulsifier FM include: ① High emulsifying power - rapidly forms stable, fine O/W emulsions with mineral oils, vegetable oils, and various organic solvents; ② Broad compatibility - its nonionic nature allows it to be compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants; ③ Chemical stability - maintains structural stability and functional effectiveness under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions; ④ Multifunctional synergy - also possesses auxiliary functions such as wetting, dispersing, and antistatic properties; ⑤ Mild handling performance - provides a certain anti-rust protection tendency to metal substrates and imparts a good soft feel to fibers in textile processing.

This product plays a key role in achieving stable emulsification systems in many industrial formulations and is an indispensable functional aid in modern fine chemical production.

Main Uses

The applications of Emulsifier FM cover several important industrial fields:

1. Metalworking and Rust Prevention: As the core emulsifier for emulsified cutting fluids and grinding fluids, it quickly forms a stable oil-in-water emulsion, significantly improving lubrication and rust prevention performance, extending tool life. It is a key component in metalworking fluid formulations.

2. Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used as a mild O/W emulsifier and emollient in creams, lotions, shampoos, etc., it helps build a fine cream structure, improves spreadability and post-wash skin feel, while also providing moisturizing and viscosity-regulating effects.

3. Textile Auxiliaries: Used in formulating softeners and antistatic agents to improve fiber surface hydrophilicity and smoothness, imparting a good soft and smooth hand feel to fabrics, and effectively eliminating static buildup during synthetic fiber processing.

4. Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifying and dispersing component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates and aqueous emulsions, it promotes the spontaneous formation of a uniform emulsion when the active ingredient is diluted, enhancing the automatic dispersion of the spray solution on water and its spreading ability on leaves, ensuring effective field application.

5. Industrial Cleaning: In industrial degreasers and hard surface cleaners, it enhances the emulsification and removal ability for oils and greases, accelerates the stripping and suspension of oil contaminants, delays redeposition of soils in the cleaning solution, and significantly improves cleaning efficiency.

6. Emulsion Polymerization: Used as a primary emulsifier in the emulsion polymerization of monomers such as acrylates and styrene-butadiene rubber, providing a stable micellar environment for the polymerization reaction and precisely controlling the latex particle size.

7. Inks and Coatings: Improves the wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers in water-based ink and coating systems, prevents settling and flocculation, adjusts system viscosity, and enhances leveling and coating gloss.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

• Metalworking Fluids: Recommended as the primary emulsifier for emulsified cutting fluids. Use in conjunction with base oils to form a stable emulsion. Recommended dosage depends on the formulation system.
• Cosmetic Creams/Lotions: As an O/W emulsifier, it can be compounded with other nonionic or anionic emulsifiers to build a fine and stable cream structure.
• Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrates: Mix with pesticide active ingredients and solvents during formulation. It can spontaneously form a uniform emulsion upon dilution, enhancing field application efficacy.
• Industrial Cleaning: Used as an emulsifying synergist in degreaser formulations to enhance the stripping and suspension capability for heavy oil stains.
• Compounding Suggestions: Its nonionic nature allows compounding with various ionic surfactants, offering strong formulation adaptability and helping to reduce the amount of auxiliary additives.

Precautions

• Skin Sensitization Risk: This product may cause an allergic skin reaction (GHS classification: Skin Sensitizer Category 1). Wear impermeable gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) and protective clothing during handling. Avoid direct skin contact.
• Eye Protection: The product may cause serious eye irritation. Wear protective goggles during handling. If in eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
• Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Recommended temperature range: 5-35°C. Keep away from heat sources and ignition sources. Avoid direct sunlight.
• Operating Environment: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid inhalation of vapors or mists. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the workplace.
• Emergency Measures: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of soap and water. If irritation or rash occurs, seek medical attention. For detailed safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).