MOA-12 (Lauryl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether-12) is a non-ionic surfactant that appears as a white to slightly yellow paste or waxy solid. With its excellent emulsifying ability, outstanding wetting performance, reliable cleaning effect, and high resistance to acid/alkali media and hard water ions, it plays a central role in wet processing across multiple industrial fields.
The balanced design of its molecular structure—a C12-14 fatty alcohol hydrophobic chain and 12 ethylene oxide (EO) hydrophilic units—gives the product a moderate HLB value. It can efficiently reduce the oil-water interfacial tension to form stable emulsions while quickly spreading on solid surfaces, meeting diverse needs from mild cosmetic formulations to stringent industrial cleaning.
| Industry | Specific Process/Use | Functional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Textile Printing & Dyeing | Pre-treatment scouring, post-dyeing soaping, fiber cleaning | Wetting and penetration, removal of natural impurities such as cotton wax and pectin, and unfixed dye |
| Industrial & Household Cleaning | Laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, hard surface cleaner formulations | Improves detergency and foam stability, emulsifies and removes oil and grease |
| Leather Processing | Degreasing process | Penetrates leather fibers, emulsifies and removes natural fats, making leather soft and uniform |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsification of emulsifiable concentrates, dispersion of active ingredients | Helps active ingredients disperse evenly, enhances spreading and adhesion on leaves |
| Cosmetics | Formulations of creams, lotions, cleansing oils | Aids emulsification and solubilization of oil-soluble ingredients, reduces greasy feel |
| Metal Cleaning | Industrial cleaning of parts and equipment housings | Removes mineral oils, cutting fluids, and rust preventatives; good compatibility with metal substrates |
MOA-12 can be used as a primary surfactant or auxiliary component in formulations. The recommended dosage should be adjusted according to process requirements (generally 1%–15% of the total formulation). Performance is not affected under hard water conditions, and the shelf life is 24 months when stored at 5–40°C. The product is readily biodegradable (OECD 301 method: >60% degradation in 28 days), aligning with green chemical principles and suitable for export to markets with strict environmental regulations, such as the EU.