G-18 Glycereth-18 (CAS No.: 31694-55-0) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant launched by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its molecular structure uses glycerol as the backbone, grafted with 18 ethylene oxide units (18EO) through ethoxylation, resulting in a unique molecular configuration that combines the hydrophilic nature of the glycerol backbone with the flexibility of the polyoxyethylene chain segments. This structural design imparts excellent solubility and interfacial activity in water.
The core advantage of this product lies in its multifunctional performance: the polyoxyethylene chains endow it with outstanding water solubility and solubilizing capacity, enabling efficient emulsification and stable dispersion of various oils, fragrances, and active ingredients. Meanwhile, the mild nature derived from the glycerol ether structure ensures good skin compatibility in personal care products, along with some moisturizing function. Additionally, G-18 maintains stable chemical performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, making it suitable for a wide range of formulation conditions.
As a multifunctional additive, G-18 can serve as an O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting dispersant, antistatic agent, softener, lubricant and rust inhibitor, and foam stabilizer, among other roles, with significant applications in cosmetics, textiles, metalworking fluids, coatings and inks, industrial cleaning, and polyurethane foams.
| Parameter Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | G-18 Glycereth-18 (Polyoxyethylated Glycerol Ether) |
| INCI Name | Glycereth-18 |
| CAS No. | 31694-55-0 |
| Aliases | Glycereth-18, PEG-18 Glyceryl Ether, Ethoxylated Glycerol (18EO), Polyoxyethylene (18) Glyceryl Ether |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Ionicity | Nonionic |
| EO Moles | 18 |
| Water Solubility | Excellent, miscible with water in any proportion |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water |
| GHS Classification | Skin irritation (H315); Serious eye irritation (H319) |
Cosmetics and Personal Care: As an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer, it is recommended for creams, lotions, facial cleansers, makeup removers, and fragrance solubilization systems. Utilizing its mild, low-irritating, and moisturizing properties, it can improve the skin feel and stability of products. The dosage should be adjusted according to the formulation type; typically, use 1% to 5% in emulsification systems.
Textile Industry: Used as an antistatic agent and soft finishing agent, it can effectively eliminate static buildup between fibers, improve fabric hand feel, and enhance spinnability in subsequent processing. It is recommended for use in finishing baths, with dosage depending on fiber type and process conditions.
Metalworking Fluids: It has both lubricating and rust-inhibiting functions, suitable for formulations of cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rust-proof fluids, helping to improve machining accuracy and workpiece surface quality. It is recommended to be compounded with other functional additives.
Coatings and Inks: As an efficient wetting dispersant, it promotes uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing flocculation and sedimentation. Recommended dosage is 0.5% to 3% of the pigment weight.
Industrial Cleaning: Suitable for hard surface cleaners and industrial degreasers, enhancing detergency and rinsing performance. It is recommended to be compounded with other surfactants for synergistic effects.
Polyurethane Foam: As a component of foam stabilizers, it helps regulate cell structure, improving foam uniformity and physical properties. Suitable for both flexible and rigid polyurethane foams.