Question

How to use MOA-23 (AEO-23)?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 MOA-23(AEO-23)

MOA-23 (AEO-23) is a white waxy solid. Before use, it needs to be melted by heating or dissolved in hot water, then added to the system according to formulation requirements. It is a typical high HLB value O/W emulsifier and leveling agent.

Dissolution and Pretreatment Methods

MOA-23 appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid at room temperature (melting point approximately 40~45°C) and is easily soluble in water. It is recommended to preheat it to 45~50°C to melt it into a flowable liquid, then slowly add it to hot water at 50~80°C while stirring until completely dissolved to form a clear or slightly turbid solution. It can also be directly added to the hot water phase of the formulation and heated together for dissolution. This product has certain hygroscopicity. After opening, it should be sealed promptly to avoid moisture absorption and caking.

Recommended Usage in Various Fields

Textile Dyeing Leveling Agent: When used as a high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing leveling agent, the recommended dosage is 1~3 times the weight of the dye (adjusted according to the dye type and depth of dyeing). First dissolve it in hot water at 60~80°C in a dissolving tank, then add it to the dye bath. The cloud point of MOA-23 is above 100°C (1% aqueous solution), enabling it to withstand high-temperature dyeing processes. Coupled with its excellent dispersibility, it effectively prevents dye aggregation that causes color spots and uneven coloring.

Industrial Cleaning and Metal Degreasing: In heavy-duty industrial cleaning formulations, the recommended dosage is 2%~8% of the total formulation. Combine MOA-23 with alkaline additives (such as sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate) and chelating agents. Utilizing its strong alkali resistance and emulsifying degreasing ability, it can quickly remove heavy oil stains and carbon deposits from metal surfaces. Suitable for immersion, spraying, or ultrasonic cleaning processes.

Cosmetic O/W Emulsifier: MOA-23 has an HLB value of approximately 16.5, making it a typical oil-in-water emulsifier. The recommended dosage is 2%~5% of the oil phase weight. Procedure: Add MOA-23 to the water phase and heat to 70~75°C to dissolve. Heat the oil phase separately to the same temperature. Then slowly add the oil phase to the water phase under homogenization stirring, homogenize for 3~5 minutes, and then cool. The resulting emulsion is fine and stable with a mild skin feel. It can also be used as a solubilizer for fragrances and essential oils.

Household Detergents: In laundry liquid formulations, the recommended dosage is 1%~5%. It can be well compounded with nonionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants, providing low-foaming washing performance and anti-redeposition effects, especially suitable for machine washing formulations.

Emulsifier for Emulsion Polymerization: The recommended dosage is 1%~3% of the total monomer weight. Dissolve MOA-23 in deionized water to form the water phase, then add the monomer under stirring for pre-emulsification. This yields a polymer emulsion with uniform particle size and good storage stability, suitable for systems such as acrylate and styrene-acrylic.

Leather Degreasing and Paper Deinking: For leather degreasing, the recommended dosage is 0.5%~2% (based on raw hide weight). For paper deinking, the recommended dosage is 0.1%~0.5% (based on oven-dry pulp weight). The specific dosage should be adjusted according to the fat content of the raw material or the amount of ink.

Technical Parameters (Source: Guoli Chemical Database)

Parameter ItemSpecification Value
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellow waxy solid
Ionic TypeNonionic
Active Content≥99%
HLB ValueApproximately 16.5
Melting PointApproximately 40~45°C
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)>100°C
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
Foam CharacteristicsLow foaming
Alkali ResistanceStrong alkali resistance
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in water

Application Recommendations

  • Addition Sequence: It is generally recommended to dissolve MOA-23 in the water phase before mixing with other components to avoid local precipitation due to direct contact with high-concentration electrolytes or acids.
  • Compounding Compatibility: Good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, allowing flexible use in various formulation systems.
  • High-Temperature Stability: Cloud point above 100°C, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature dyeing, high-temperature cleaning, and other process conditions without failure due to cloud point limitations.
  • Storage Pretreatment: The product may soften during high-temperature seasons, which is a normal physical phenomenon and does not affect quality. Stir evenly before use.
  • The above dosages are general recommended ranges. The specific addition amount should be determined through experiments based on the actual formulation system and process requirements.

Precautions

  • This product is irritating (H315, H319). Wear nitrile rubber gloves, protective goggles, or a face shield during operation to avoid contact with skin and eyes.
  • If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, and continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
  • Ensure good ventilation during dissolution to avoid prolonged inhalation of vapors or aerosols.
  • Melting point approximately 40~45°C. When heating to melt, use a water bath to avoid direct flame heating which may cause local overheating and deterioration.
  • Store sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 40°C. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents.