MOA-23 (AEO-23), chemically known as fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, belongs to the class of nonionic surfactants with CAS number 68439-50-9. It appears as a white waxy solid, produced by the addition polymerization of C12~14 fatty alcohols with approximately 23 ethylene oxide (EO) units. The high EO number molecular structure imparts high hydrophilicity and cloud point, maintaining excellent surface activity even under high-temperature process conditions, making it an ideal choice for applications such as high-temperature dyeing and industrial degreasing.
The core performance advantages of this product are reflected in five aspects: First, outstanding emulsifying ability, capable of forming stable and fine O\/W emulsion systems; second, excellent wetting and dispersing performance, effectively preventing particle aggregation and improving formulation uniformity; third, strong resistance to chemical agents, maintaining high efficiency and stability under complex water conditions such as acids, alkalis, and hard water; fourth, high cloud point, suitable for high-temperature operation environments; fifth, broad compatibility, compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, offering great flexibility in formulation design.
In terms of applications, MOA-23 covers numerous fields including textile printing and dyeing (leveling agents, dispersants), industrial cleaning (hard surface cleaners, metal degreasers), household washing (active components in laundry detergents\/powders), cosmetics (O\/W emulsifiers, solubilizers), leather processing (degreasing agents), papermaking (deinking agents), and emulsion polymerization (emulsifiers). Its HLB value is approximately 16-17, placing it in the high hydrophilicity range among nonionic surfactants, particularly suitable for oil-in-water emulsion systems. The high active content of the product ensures usage efficiency, and its good biodegradability aligns with the trend towards green and environmental protection.
| Parameter Item | Parameter Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether |
| Aliases | Laureth-23, C12~14 alcohol polyoxyethylene (23) ether, Peregal O-23, Leveling agent O-23, Emulsifier O-23 |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance | White waxy solid |
| HLB Value | Approximately 16-17 |
| Cloud Point | High cloud point (suitable for high-temperature processes) |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water |
| pH Adaptability | Resistant to acids and alkalis |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants |
| Flash Point | >200°C (open cup method) |
| Acute Oral Toxicity | LD50 > 2000 mg\/kg (rat) |
| Water Hazard Class | WGK 1 (slightly hazardous to water) |
Textile Printing and Dyeing: Used as a high-temperature leveling agent and dispersant, effectively preventing dye aggregation and ensuring uniform dyeing, suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing processes. It is recommended to be used in combination with anionic leveling agents to achieve synergistic effects.
Industrial Cleaning and Metal Degreasing: With strong emulsifying and degreasing capabilities, it can quickly remove heavy oil stains and carbon deposits from metal surfaces, making it a core component in heavy-duty industrial cleaning formulations. The recommended dosage ranges from 2% to 8% depending on the degree of soiling.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: As an O\/W emulsifier and solubilizer, it is particularly suitable for creams and lotions. With a high HLB value (approximately 16-17), it can stably solubilize hydrophobic components such as fragrances and essential oils into the aqueous phase. The product is mild and suitable for developing personal care products.
Emulsion Polymerization: Provides stable emulsification for emulsion polymerization systems such as acrylics and styrene-acrylics, resulting in polymer emulsions with uniform particle size and good storage stability.