Peregal O-25 and Peregal O-50/100 both belong to the fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO) series of nonionic surfactants, condensed from natural fatty alcohols (C₁₆~C₁₈) and ethylene oxide (EO). The most essential difference lies in the EO addition number: Peregal O-25 has an EO number of 25, with a moderate polyoxyethylene chain length in the molecule; Peregal O-50 has an EO number of 50, and Peregal O-100 has an EO number of 100. The length of the EO chain directly determines the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value), water solubility, foaming ability, and steric hindrance effect of the product, thereby affecting its performance in different applications.
In terms of physical form and solubility, Peregal O-25 is a white to slightly yellow flake or lump solid, easily soluble in water; Peregal O-50 is a white to slightly yellow waxy solid, easily soluble in hot water but dispersed in cold water; Peregal O-100 is a white to slightly yellow flake or granular solid, dispersible and soluble in room temperature water solutions. Regarding foam characteristics, Peregal O-25 has moderate foam volume under effective cleaning temperatures and is easy to rinse; while Peregal O-50/100 has extremely low foaming, almost no foam, making them particularly suitable for industrial operations requiring strict foam control such as circulating pumping and jet cleaning.
In terms of application positioning, Peregal O-25, with an HLB value of about 16.0–17.0 and a cloud point >100°C, performs prominently in textile dyeing leveling, soaping anti-staining, metal cleaning degreasing, and cosmetic O/W emulsification, making it a general-purpose product. Peregal O-50/100, with strong steric hindrance provided by ultra-long polyoxyethylene chains, holds advantages in fields with strict requirements for electrolyte resistance, high temperature tolerance, and long-term stability, such as high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing, emulsion polymerization (vinyl acetate/acrylate systems), pesticide emulsions/microemulsions, paper deinking, and emulsification of AKD sizing agents.
| Comparison Item | Peregal O-25 | Peregal O-50 | Peregal O-100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 68439-49-6 | 68439-49-6 | 68439-49-6 |
| EO Addition Number | 25 | 50 | 100 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow flake or lump solid | White to slightly yellow waxy solid | White to slightly yellow flake or granular solid |
| Water Solubility | Easily soluble in water (better in hot water above 60°C) | Easily soluble in hot water, disperses in cold water | Easily soluble in water, dispersible at room temperature |
| HLB Value | Approximately 16.0–17.0 | N/A (higher than O-25) | N/A (higher than O-50) |
| Cloud Point | >100°C | N/A | N/A |
| Foaming Characteristics | Moderate foam, easy to rinse | Extremely low foaming, almost no foam | Extremely low foaming, almost no foam |
| Electrolyte/Hard Water Resistance | Excellent | Superior | Superior |
| Emulsion Stabilization Mechanism | Reduces oil-water interfacial tension | Strong steric hindrance effect | Strong steric hindrance effect |
| Recommended Dosage (Textile Dyeing) | 0.2–1.0 g/L | N/A | N/A |
Scenarios for choosing Peregal O-25: