Question

What are the physical and chemical technical parameters of MOA-23 (AEO-23)?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 MOA-23(AEO-23)

MOA-23 (AEO-23) is a nonionic surfactant with a high HLB value (about 16.5), typically appearing as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid, easily soluble in water, with a cloud point above 100°C.

Detailed Description

MOA-23, chemical name C12-14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (23) ether (CAS No.: 68439-50-9), is a high-adduct nonionic surfactant polymerized from natural fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide. Its molecular weight is about 1200, and it appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid with a melting point between 40~45°C. The product has an active matter content of no less than 99%, demonstrating extremely high purity and usage efficiency.

Due to its long polyoxyethylene chain (n≈23), this product exhibits excellent water solubility, high cloud point (>100°C), and outstanding stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water. Its surface activity is mild, with an interfacial tension of about 32 mN/m and a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of about 0.04 g/L, forming stable and fine emulsions with low foam, making it easy to rinse. The pH value (1% aqueous solution) is weakly acidic to neutral (5.0~7.0), with slight irritation to skin and eyes (H315/H319).

With its HLB value of about 16.5, MOA-23 performs excellently in O/W emulsification, dispersion, and solubilization. Additionally, it has good biodegradability and batch quality stability, meeting the stringent requirements of modern environmental protection and industrial production for fine chemicals. Its flash point is above 200°C, non-flammable at room temperature, but ventilation and protection are still needed during high-temperature operation or storage.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemIndex/Value
Chemical NameC12-14 Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene (23) Ether
CAS No.68439-50-9
Ion TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)White to Slightly Yellow Waxy Solid
Molecular WeightAbout 1200
Active Matter Content≥99%
HLB ValueAbout 16.5
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)>100°C
Melting PointAbout 40~45°C
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Hydroxyl Value45~52 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤0.5 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value≤1.0 gI₂/100g
Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C)About 32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC, 25°C)About 0.04 g/L
Density (25°C, Solid)About 1.0 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (50°C)About 50 mm²/s
Refractive Index (40°C)About 1.455
Flash Point (Open Cup Method)>200°C
SolubilityEasily Soluble in Water
Foam CharacteristicsLow Foam
Heavy Metal Content≤10 mg/kg
Free Alcohol≤1.0%
Saponification Value≤2.0 mgKOH/g

Note: The above data are from actual test values of Guoli Chemical product database.

Application Suggestions

Due to its high HLB value and high cloud point, MOA-23 is particularly suitable for high-temperature operation systems and the construction of O/W (oil-in-water) emulsion systems. Recommended application scenarios and dosage references are as follows:

  • Textile Dyeing and Finishing: Used as a high-temperature leveling agent and dispersant. The recommended dosage is 1~3 g/L (based on dye bath volume), which can effectively prevent dye aggregation and improve color fastness.
  • Industrial Cleaning: As a core component of heavy-duty metal degreasers, recommended formulation ratio is 5%~15%, used in combination with alkaline auxiliaries or chelating agents, with significant effect on stripping mineral oil and carbon deposits.
  • Cosmetic Emulsifier: Used in O/W systems such as creams and lotions, recommended dosage is 1%~5% of the formulation. It can be combined with low HLB emulsifiers (such as MOA-2) to adjust the system HLB value, and can also be used for solubilizing essential oils and fragrances.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: In acrylate or styrene-acrylic emulsion polymerization, used as an emulsifier and stabilizer, recommended dosage is 1%~3% of the total monomer amount, obtaining polymer emulsions with fine particle size and good stability.
  • Paper Deinking: Added in the pulping or flotation stage, usually at 0.2%~0.5% (based on absolutely dry waste paper), helping to improve deinking efficiency and pulp brightness.

Precautions

  • Operational Protection: The product is classified as a skin and eye irritant (H315/H319). Please be sure to wear chemical protective gloves, protective goggles, and use in a well-ventilated environment during operation. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 40°C, sealed and stored in a cool, dry place. When the temperature exceeds 40°C, the waxy solid may soften, which is a normal physical phenomenon and does not affect quality. Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and ignition sources.
  • Emergency Measures: In case of eye contact, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses if any. If irritation persists, seek medical attention immediately. In case of spillage, absorb and collect with inert materials such as sand, and prevent discharge into drains or water bodies.
  • Ecological Impact: This product has low toxicity to aquatic organisms (fish LC50 10~100 mg/L), water hazard class WGK 1. However, direct discharge into the environment without treatment should still be avoided.