Question

What is MOA-9 (AEO-9)?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 MOA-9(AEO-9)

MOA-9 (AEO-9) is a nonionic surfactant with C12-14 fatty alcohol as the hydrophobic group and 9 moles of ethylene oxide added. Due to its excellent emulsifying, penetrating, and detergency capabilities, it is widely used in dozens of industrial fields such as textiles, cleaning, pesticides, and daily chemicals.

Detailed Description

MOA-9 (AEO-9), with the chemical name C12-14 alcohol polyoxyethylene (9) ether (CAS No.: 68439-50-9), commonly known as Peregal O-9 or Leveling Agent O. Its molecular structure achieves a precise balance between the hydrophobic fatty alcohol carbon chain and the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene ether chain segment, with an HLB value of 13.6, making it a typical hydrophilic surfactant. At room temperature (25°C), the product appears as a colorless transparent liquid to white paste, with an active matter content of over 99%. It is miscible with water in any proportion, forming a clear and transparent solution.

As a core regular product of Guoli Chemical, the main advantages of MOA-9 are reflected in four dimensions: first, excellent emulsifying ability, which can significantly reduce oil/water interfacial tension and form stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions; second, fast wetting and penetrating properties, with a penetration time of only 5–10 seconds measured by the standard canvas sinking method; third, excellent chemical compatibility, remaining stable in acid, alkali, and hard water media, and can be freely compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants; fourth, low foaming and easy rinsing, which reduces rinsing cycles in practical applications, saving water and energy.

This product is an environmentally friendly auxiliary with good biodegradability. However, it should be noted that its cloud point is 55–65°C (1% aqueous solution). That is, when the water temperature exceeds the cloud point, MOA-9 will precipitate from the water, causing the solution to become turbid and reducing emulsifying performance. Therefore, in actual formulations and usage processes, the operating temperature should be controlled below its cloud point.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecification ValueRemarks
Chemical NameC12-14 Alcohol Polyoxyethylene (9) Ether
AliasPeregal O-9, Leveling Agent O, AEO-9
CAS No.68439-50-9
Ionic TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)Colorless Transparent Liquid to White PasteSolidification point approx. 5–10°C
Active Matter Content≥99.0%Data source: Guoli Chemical product standard
HLB Value13.6Hydrophilic emulsifier
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)55–65°CBecomes turbid above this temperature
pH Value (1%/5% Aqueous Solution)5.0–7.0
Hydroxyl Value85–100 mg KOH/g
Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C)28–32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C)0.03–0.05 g/LMicelles form at low dosage
Penetrating Power (0.1% Aqueous Solution)5–10 secondsStandard canvas sinking method
Acid Value≤0.5 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value≤0.5 gI₂/100gLow unsaturation
Density (25°C)1.00–1.05 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (40°C)100–200 mm²/s
Refractive Index1.453–1.457
Water Content≤0.5%
Free Alcohol≤2.0%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg
Flash Point>150°C
Foam CharacteristicsLow Foaming
Chemical StabilityStable in dilute acid and alkali solutionsMay hydrolyze under high temperature and strong alkali
Packaging Specifications50kg Plastic Drum / 200kg Plastic Drum / IBC Tote

Application Recommendations

Based on the hydrophilic emulsifying characteristics and HLB value of 13.6 for MOA-9, the following typical application scenarios are recommended:

  • Textile Dyeing and Printing: Used as a component of scouring agents, penetrating agents, and leveling agents. Recommended dosage 0.5–3 g/L (working solution). It can effectively remove wax and impurities from cotton fibers, ensuring uniform dye uptake and preventing color spots and stains.
  • Industrial Cleaning and Degreasing: In metal parts cleaning and pretreatment formulations before coating, recommended dosage 2–8% (by weight). Used in combination with alkaline builders, it can quickly emulsify mineral oils and animal/vegetable greases.
  • Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC): As a single emulsifier or compounded with nonionic/anionic surfactants, typical dosage is 5–15% of the total formulation. It ensures spontaneous emulsification and dispersion of the pesticide active ingredient in hard water, with good dilution stability.
  • Household Detergents: In laundry liquids and dishwashing detergent formulations, recommended dosage 3–10%. It can partially replace anionic surfactants such as AES, improving hard water tolerance of the formulation while reducing system irritation.
  • Leather Degreasing and Fatliquoring: Used in soaking and degreasing processes, recommended dosage 0.5–2% (based on leather weight). It aids in the emulsification and dispersion of natural oils and fats, improving subsequent processing effects.
  • Paper Deinking: In waste paper deinking processes, recommended dosage 0.1–0.5% (based on oven-dry waste paper). It effectively removes ink particles and prevents redeposition on fiber surfaces.

Precautions

  • Temperature Control: The cloud point of MOA-9 is 55–65°C. During preparation of working solutions and usage, the temperature should be controlled below the cloud point; otherwise, phase separation may occur, leading to a sharp decline in emulsifying performance.
  • Low-Temperature Storage: The solidification point of the product is approximately 5–10°C. Solidification or stratification may occur during low winter temperatures, which is a normal physical phenomenon. Before use, bring the material to room temperature and stir thoroughly; product quality is not affected.
  • Personal Protection: The product may cause skin and eye irritation (H315/H319). Chemical protective gloves and safety goggles must be worn during operation. If accidental contact occurs