Question

What is emulsifier MOA-3B? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 乳化剂MOA-3B

Emulsifier MOA-3B is a nonionic surfactant mainly composed of C12~14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether. Due to its moderate HLB value and excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, it is widely used in multiple industrial fields such as pesticide formulations, chemical fiber oil agents, textile printing and dyeing, industrial mold release, emulsion polymerization, and oil-soluble systems.

Detailed Description

Emulsifier MOA-3B (also known as AEO-3, Laureth-3) has the chemical name fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether, with a carbon chain distribution of C12~14, and is a typical nonionic surfactant. The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid, with high active content and a nearly neutral pH value, making it relatively gentle and friendly to substrates and operators.

This product has a moderate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, exhibiting excellent emulsifying stability for various oil phase systems, especially suitable for the preparation of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. At the same time, MOA-3B can effectively reduce interfacial tension, promote liquid spreading on solid surfaces, and has a significant dispersing and stabilizing effect on solid particles. In terms of chemical stability, the product maintains good performance in both acidic and alkaline environments and has excellent tolerance to hard water, making it particularly reliable under complex working conditions.

As a high-purity multifunctional surfactant, MOA-3B can significantly improve the solubility of poorly soluble substances in aqueous or oil phase systems, providing broader space for formulation design.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameParameter Details
Product NameEmulsifier MOA-3B
Chemical NameFatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (3) ether
AliasAEO-3 / Laureth-3
Product TypeNonionic surfactant
Carbon Chain DistributionC12~14
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>150 °C (typical range 160 °C to 200 °C)
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat)LD₅₀ >2000 mg/kg
CAS NumberNot available

Application Recommendations

Pesticide Formulations: As the core emulsifying component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations, it enables the rapid self-emulsification of the pesticide active ingredient upon dilution, forming a stable oil-in-water emulsion to ensure uniform spraying and improve field efficacy.

Chemical Fiber Industry: Used in spinning oil agents for synthetic fibers, providing emulsifying, smoothing, and bundling effects to reduce friction between fibers and metal parts, lower static accumulation, and improve the cohesion and spinnability of the tow.

Textile Printing and Dyeing: As a leveling agent and antistatic agent, used in fabric pretreatment and dyeing processes to promote uniform dye uptake, prevent color spots and streaks, while imparting antistatic properties to the fiber surface and improving the hand feel of the final product.

Industrial Mold Release: Applied onto mold surfaces during the molding process of polymer materials to form a release film, effectively reducing the adhesion between the product and the mold, achieving clean release, and also providing lubrication to protect the mold.

Emulsion Polymerization: Provides micelle nucleation sites in emulsion polymerization reactions and stabilizes latex particles, preventing gelation or demulsification during polymerization, controlling particle size distribution, and ensuring the storage stability of the latex product.

Oil-Soluble Systems: Promotes uniform dispersion of solid particles, pigments, or active ingredients in oil-based or solvent-based formulations, preventing agglomeration and sedimentation, maintaining system uniformity, and improving product performance and shelf life.

Precautions

Hazard Classification: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 2). Signal word: "Warning". Hazard statements: H315 Causes skin irritation; H319 Causes serious eye irritation.

Protective Measures: Wear chemical safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and appropriate protective clothing during operation. Thoroughly wash hands and any exposed skin after handling. If skin contact occurs, wash with plenty of soap and water; if it enters the eyes, rinse carefully with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse, with a recommended temperature between 5 °C and 40 °C. Keep the container tightly closed and away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Store separately from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.

Environmental Tips: Prevent large-scale leakage from entering sewers, surface water, or groundwater. Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations by qualified entities.