Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-4 is a non-ionic surfactant synthesized from lauric acid and ethylene oxide. Due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting properties and outstanding chemical stability, it is widely used in various industrial fields such as personal care, textiles, metalworking, and pesticide formulations.
Detailed Description
Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-4, with the chemical name Polyoxyethylene (4) Laurate (PEG-4 Laurate) and CAS number 9004-81-3, is a non-ionic surfactant produced by the addition reaction of lauric acid with 4 moles of ethylene oxide (EO). Its aliases include Polyoxyethylene (4) Laurate, PEG-4 Laurate, Polyoxyethylene (4) monolaurate, etc. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid.
As a classic fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester surfactant, the molecular structure of LAE-4 contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segments and lipophilic laurate groups. This "amphiphilic" structure endows it with excellent emulsifying ability, effectively forming stable and fine oil/water emulsion systems. At the same time, its superior solubilizing performance can significantly enhance the solubility of poorly soluble substances, improving the transparency and stability of formulations.
LAE-4 possesses excellent chemical stability, being resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, enabling it to adapt to a wide range of production conditions and water quality environments. It has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants, demonstrating versatile formulation advantages. In terms of safety, this product is classified as a low-toxicity chemical, with no significant health hazards under normal use conditions, and it is non-flammable and biodegradable.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (4) Laurate (PEG-4 Laurate) |
| CAS Number | 9004-81-3 |
| Product Type | Non-ionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| EO Adduct Number | 4 |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5°C to 35°C |
| Shelf Life | Two years (under storage conditions) |
Application Suggestions
With its multifunctional properties, Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-4 has broad application value in the following fields:
- Personal Care Products: Used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and superfatting agent in creams, lotions, shampoos, and shower gels to enhance product stability and skin feel.
- Textile Industry: Employed as an antistatic agent and softener to improve fiber processing performance, imparting excellent touch and smoothness to fabrics.
- Metalworking Fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in formulas such as cutting fluids and grinding fluids, effectively improving machining precision and efficiency.
- Pesticide Formulations: Functions as an emulsifier in emulsifiable concentrates and water emulsions, enhancing the spreading and penetration of the pesticide solution on plant and target surfaces.
- Industrial Cleaning: Applied in hard surface cleaner formulations to enhance the emulsification and removal of oily soils.
- Leather Industry: Used as a component of fatliquoring agents, making leather softer and fuller.
- Coatings and Inks: Acts as a wetting and dispersing agent to promote uniform distribution of pigments and fillers, improving the dispersion stability and leveling of the system.
Precautions
- Wear chemical safety gloves, protective goggles, and work clothes during operation, and ensure good ventilation in the working area.
- Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin and eyes. After operation, thoroughly wash hands and exposed skin.
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, keep containers sealed, away from fire and heat sources, and avoid mixing with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong alkalis.
- In case of skin contact, immediately rinse with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes; for eye contact, rinse thoroughly with running water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention without fail.
- Empty containers may contain residual product vapor or droplets; do not discard or reuse arbitrarily, but dispose of harmlessly in accordance with local regulations.
