MOA-3 (AEO-3) is a low-polymerization-degree fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant. Because the number of ethylene oxide (EO) adducts in its molecule is only 3, its lipophilicity is stronger than its hydrophilicity, with an HLB value of approximately 8-9, making it a typical W/O emulsifier. During use, it can be directly added to the oil phase and stirred evenly, then mixed and emulsified with the water phase, or compounded with other surfactants with high HLB values to achieve the desired emulsification effect.
In practical applications, the usage of MOA-3 is flexible and diverse: it can be used as a single emulsifier in water-in-oil systems, or as the core raw material for synthesizing AES (sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sulfate), which undergoes sulfation and neutralization to produce an anionic surfactant; in the textile and industrial cleaning fields, it is usually used in a diluted liquid form, exerting its function through methods such as dipping, spraying, or circulating cleaning.
| Application Field | Recommended Usage Method | Reference Dosage (Data source: Guoli Chemical product database and general industry practice) |
|---|---|---|
| AES Synthesis Raw Material | As the starting material for sulfation/sulfonation reactions, it undergoes sulfation with a sulfonating agent (such as SO₃, chlorosulfonic acid) in a reactor, and then is neutralized with alkali to produce AES | As the main raw material, fed according to the reaction stoichiometric ratio |
| Personal Care Product Formulations (shampoo, shower gel, cleansing products) | Usually mixed with oily ingredients or other nonionic surfactants first, then slowly added to the water phase while stirring to emulsify; often compounded with AES, betaines, etc. | 0.5%~3% (as an auxiliary emulsifier or superfatting agent in the formula) |
| Industrial and Household Liquid Detergents (laundry detergent, hard surface cleaners) | Compounded with anionic surfactants (such as LAS, AES) and auxiliaries, directly added to water and dissolved with stirring; can enhance penetrating emulsification and degreasing ability | 1%~5% (as a nonionic surfactant component) |
| Textile Scouring Agent/Wetting Agent/Leveling Agent | Dilute with water to working concentration, treat fabric by dipping or padding; can be compounded with alkali agents and chelating agents during scouring | Working solution concentration 0.5~3g/L (dipping method), adjusted according to process |
| Leather Degreasing Agent | After being diluted with water in proportion, degrease the raw hide in a drum; can be used together with alkaline auxiliaries such as soda ash | 0.5%~2% (based on hide weight), better effect at 35~40°C |
| Metal Cleaning and Metalworking Fluids | Add to water-based or semi-synthetic cleaning fluids, compound with builders and corrosion inhibitors; can be applied by immersion, spraying, or ultrasonic cleaning | Working solution concentration 2%~8% (use after 10~50 times dilution of stock solution) |
| Emulsion Polymerization Emulsifier | In acrylate, styrene, and other systems, pre-dissolve in the monomer phase or water phase, participate in pre-emulsification or kettle bottom emulsification; can be used synergistically with anionic emulsifiers to stabilize emulsion particle size | 0.5%~2% (based on total monomer) |
| Chemical Fiber Softener/Fabric Post-treatment Agent | Treat fabrics in diluted liquid form by padding or dipping process to impart a soft feel | Working solution concentration 1~5g/L |
| Parameter Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MOA-3 (AEO-3) |
| Chemical Name | C12-14 Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene (3) Ether |
| CAS Number | 68439-50-9 |
| Product Category | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid |
| HLB Value (Reference) | Approximately 8-9 (industry general value) |
| Emulsification Type | W/O type (water-in-oil) |
| Chemical Stability | Acid-resistant, alkali-resistant, hard water-resistant |
| Cloud Point | This parameter is not available (products with low EO number have low cloud points, often below room temperature) |
| Hydroxyl Value | This parameter is not available |
| Active Matter Content | High purity, high active ingredient content (specific value not available) |
Key Points for Emulsification Operation: As a W/O emulsifier, when preparing an emulsion, it is recommended to first dissolve MOA-3 in the oil phase, then slowly add the water phase while stirring. Using high-speed homogenization or a colloid mill can improve the emulsification effect and emulsion stability. When preparing an O/W emulsion, it needs to be compounded with a high HLB emulsifier (HLB value above 12).
Compound Synergism: Compounding MOA-3 with anionic surfactants (such as AES, LAS, SDS) can produce synergistic effects, enhancing the detergency, foaming, and salt resistance of the system. Compounding with other nonionic surfactants (such as AEO-7, AEO-9) can flexibly adjust the HLB value to suit the emulsification needs of different oil phases.
Temperature Control: Due to the low EO addition number of MOA-3, its aqueous solution exhibits inverse solubility – solubility decreases as temperature rises. The operating temperature should be controlled during use to avoid exceeding its cloud point, which would cause the product to precipitate and lose effectiveness. Low temperatures (below 5°C) may cause turbidity or solidification; before use, it can be placed in a warm environment to restore a transparent state.