Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-9 is a high-performance nonionic surfactant (PEG-9 Laurate), widely used in multiple industrial fields such as daily chemicals, washing, textiles, pesticides, metalworking, and leather, thanks to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting, and dispersing capabilities.
Detailed Description
Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-9 (CAS No.: 9004-81-3), also known as PEG-9 Laurate, Polyoxyethylene (9) Monolaurate, is a nonionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization of lauric acid with ethylene oxide. Its molecular structure contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic laurate ester groups, giving it exceptional emulsifying ability in oil-in-water (O/W) systems.
As a nonionic surfactant, LAE-9 is unaffected by hardness ions (such as calcium and magnesium ions) in water and exhibits excellent chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and high-concentration hard water environments. Additionally, it can be well compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, showing broad compatibility and making it an ideal multifunctional formulation component.
It is important to note that this product is classified as a hazardous chemical. According to GHS classification, LAE-9 has acute oral toxicity (Category 4), skin irritation (Category 2), serious eye damage (Category 1), and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (Category 1). Protective equipment must be worn during handling to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, and the product must not be discharged into water bodies or the environment.
Technical Parameters
| Item |
Parameter |
| Product Name |
Lauric Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether LAE-9 |
| INCI/Chemical Name |
PEG-9 Laurate |
| CAS No. |
9004-81-3 |
| Product Type |
Nonionic Surfactant |
| Aliases |
Polyoxyethylene (9) Monolaurate, Polyethylene Glycol-9 Laurate, Polyoxyethylene Monolaurate |
| Main Functions |
Emulsifying, Solubilizing, Wetting, Penetrating, Dispersing |
| Ionicity |
Nonionic |
| GHS Hazard Classification |
Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4; Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 2; Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation Category 1; Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment - Acute Hazard Category 1; Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment - Long-term Hazard Category 1 |
Application Recommendations
With its balanced comprehensive performance, LAE-9 is widely used in the following six major fields:
- Daily Chemical and Personal Care Products: Used as an O/W emulsifier in cream, lotion, and other skincare formulations to build stable oil-in-water systems; also as a solubilizer to dissolve fragrances and oily active ingredients into transparent water-based products such as toners and shampoos, resulting in clear and bright finished products.
- Household and Industrial Liquid Detergents: Used in laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, and multi-purpose hard surface cleaners to effectively remove grease and sebum; in industrial cleaning formulations, provides powerful emulsifying and degreasing effects, suitable for high-temperature or high-alkali environments.
- Textile Dyeing and Finishing Auxiliaries: Used as a leveling agent to promote uniform dye adsorption and penetration, preventing color spots and color differences; as a softener and antistatic agent to impart a soft, smooth hand feel to fabrics and eliminate static buildup.
- Pesticide Formulations: Used as an environmentally friendly emulsifier in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates and emulsion formulations, dispersing the active ingredient into extremely fine droplets that remain stably suspended in water, ensuring uniform application concentration and stable efficacy.
- Metalworking Fluids: Provides lubrication and cooling during cutting, grinding, stamping, and other machining processes, protecting tools and workpieces, extending equipment life, and preventing metal corrosion.
- Leather Industry: Acts as a key emulsifying and dispersing component in fatliquoring agents, helping oils and fats penetrate uniformly into the leather fiber structure, resulting in soft, full, and elastic finished leather.
Precautions
- Handling Protection: Operators must wear chemical safety goggles, impermeable gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber), and appropriate protective clothing. Maintain good ventilation in the workplace.
- First Aid Measures: In case of skin contact, immediately wash with plenty of soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse with water for several minutes and seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting if swallowed; rinse mouth with water and consult a doctor.
- Environmental Protection: Do not discharge the product directly into water bodies, sewers, or soil. Collect spills with inert absorbent materials and dispose of as hazardous waste in accordance with regulations.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at temperatures between 5°C and 40°C. Keep containers tightly closed and away from strong oxidizers and strong acids.
