What is MOA-23 (AEO-23)?

MOA-23 (AEO-23) is a nonionic fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether surfactant with high polymerization degree, chemically known as C12~14 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (23) ether. It has excellent emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties, and is widely used in textile printing and dyeing, industrial cleaning, cosmetics, and emulsion polymerization.

Detailed Description

MOA-23 (also known as AEO-23, Peregal O-23) is a nonionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization of C12~C14 natural fatty alcohols with 23 moles of ethylene oxide, with CAS number 68439-50-9. Its appearance is a white waxy solid, belonging to the high polymerization degree fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether products. Because of its molecular structure with a long polyoxyethylene (PEG-23) hydrophilic chain segment, the product possesses extremely high hydrophilicity and excellent solubilizing and emulsifying capabilities.

This product has excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining high efficiency and stability under complex water quality conditions. Its high cloud point characteristic makes it suitable for high-temperature operating environments, and it has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, serving as a key auxiliary agent in various formulation systems. Additionally, MOA-23 has good biodegradability, aligning with current environmental trends.

In cosmetics, MOA-23 is used under the INCI name "Laureth-23" (PEG-23 lauryl ether), mainly as an oil-in-water (O\/W) emulsifier, solubilizer, and emollient. It effectively solubilizes hydrophobic ingredients such as fragrances and essential oils, while imparting a mild feeling to the formulation. In the product system of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., this product is known for its high active content and batch quality stability.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

With its high HLB value (approximately 16 ~ 17) and excellent emulsifying and dispersing capabilities, MOA-23 has broad application value in multiple industries:

• Textile Printing and Dyeing: Used as a high-temperature leveling agent and dispersant, it effectively prevents dye aggregation and ensures uniform fabric dyeing, especially suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing processes.
• Industrial Cleaning: As a core component of hard surface cleaners and metal degreasers, it quickly removes heavy oil and carbon deposits from metal surfaces.
• Household Cleaning: Provides excellent emulsification, detergency, and anti-redeposition performance in laundry liquid and detergent powder formulations.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used as an O\/W emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and fragrance solubilization systems. Recommended dosage is adjusted according to formulation requirements.
• Leather Processing: As an efficient degreasing agent component to remove natural oils from raw hides.
• Paper Industry: Active ingredient in deinking agents, improving pulp whiteness and deinking efficiency.
• Emulsion Polymerization: Provides stable emulsification for acrylate, styrene-acrylic, and other emulsion polymerization systems.

Precautions

Safety Warning: MOA-23 is classified under GHS hazard categories as Skin corrosion\/irritation Category 2 and Serious eye damage\/eye irritation Category 2A. It causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319). Wear protective gloves, eye protection\/face shield during handling, and wash hands thoroughly after operation. In case of eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; if irritation persists, seek medical attention.

Storage Conditions: Keep in sealed packaging, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at 5°C to 40°C, away from strong oxidizers. In high-temperature seasons, the waxy solid may soften, which is a normal physical change and does not affect product quality or usage. It is recommended to use stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers for storage.