Peregal O-20 (chemical name: C16-18 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (20) ether) is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as an off-white to light yellow waxy solid or paste, with CAS number 68439-49-6. The polyoxyethylene chain in its molecular structure imparts excellent hydrophilicity, while the long-chain fatty alcohol group provides good lipophilicity, making Peregal O-20 perform exceptionally well in O/W (oil-in-water) emulsion systems. With a moderate HLB value, it is an indispensable multifunctional additive in formulations across various industries.
The core advantage of Peregal O-20 lies in its broad compatibility—its nonionic nature allows it to be freely compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric auxiliaries and surfactants, resulting in significant synergistic effects. Additionally, the product exhibits excellent acid-base stability (remaining active over a wide pH range), hard water resistance (unaffected by calcium and magnesium ions), and efficient wetting and penetrating properties. These comprehensive characteristics enable its application across multiple industrial fields.
I. Textile Dyeing and Printing Industry
Peregal O-20 serves as an efficient leveling agent and dispersant in textile dyeing processes. It effectively slows down the dye uptake rate, promotes uniform dye distribution, prevents color spots and streaks, and ensures even and vibrant fabric coloration. It has good affinity for direct dyes and vat dyes, significantly improving dyeing uniformity and color fastness.
II. Pesticide Formulations
In the field of pesticide formulations, Peregal O-20 is used as an emulsifier to prepare pesticide emulsion in water (EW) and microemulsion (ME). It effectively reduces the oil-water interfacial tension, forming stable and well-dilutable emulsions, thereby improving the utilization efficiency and field efficacy of pesticides.
III. Daily Chemicals
In daily chemical products such as creams, lotions, and shampoos, Peregal O-20 acts as a primary O/W emulsifier or co-emulsifier, forming a stable oil-in-water system and imparting a fine and bright texture to the cream. It also solubilizes oily fragrances and active ingredients into the aqueous system, increasing product transparency and enhancing overall texture and stability.
IV. Industrial and Household Liquid Detergents
Peregal O-20 provides excellent detergency, emulsifying, and dispersing performance. Leveraging its wetting, penetrating, and emulsifying effects, it rapidly removes and disperses oily stains, sweat, and other soils from fabric fibers and hard surfaces, significantly improving the cleaning efficacy of liquid detergent products.
V. Metal Processing
As a penetrant and wetting agent, Peregal O-20 improves the wetting effect of metalworking fluids (e.g., cutting fluids, grinding fluids) on metal surfaces, accelerating liquid spreading and enhancing cooling and lubrication efficiency.
VI. Papermaking Industry
In the papermaking process, it is used to improve pulp uniformity and paper quality, enhancing the dispersion of pulp fibers and the penetration of coating liquids.
VII. Leather Processing
It promotes the penetration of various auxiliaries into the leather fibers, improving leather softness and hand feel. It is applicable in processes such as soaking, degreasing, and fatliquoring.
| Parameter | Indicator/Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | C16-18 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene (20) ether |
| CAS Number | 68439-49-6 |
| Product Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Off-white to light yellow waxy solid or paste |
| Ionicity | Nonionic |
| HLB Range | Approximately 15-16 (suitable for O/W emulsions) |
| Acid-Base Stability Range | Stable over a wide pH range |
| Hard Water Resistance | Excellent, unaffected by calcium and magnesium ions |
| Compatibility | Can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | >2000 mg/kg (rat), low toxicity |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable, not PBT/vPvB |