XPO-4 (Glycerol polyoxyethylene ether oleate) differs essentially in chemical structure from other leveling agents in the Guoli Chemical database. The common Peregal O series (such as MOA-9, Peregal O-20, O-25, etc.) are fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers, which have a simple ether bond structure; the AC series (such as AC-1812, AC-1815, AC-1820) are octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ethers, containing tertiary amine groups and possessing cationic characteristics. In contrast, the molecular structure of XPO-4 contains both ester groups (-COO-) and a glycerol backbone. This unique ester-type structure gives it natural affinity for polyester fibers and disperse dyes—the oleic acid chain is similar and compatible with the polyester molecular structure, promoting uniform dye penetration at high temperatures; the polyoxyethylene glycerol chain provides excellent water solubility and surface activity. This structural design is not available in ordinary ether-type or amine-type leveling agents, which tend to have more general-purpose leveling functions and lack specific adaptability to the polyester/disperse dye system.
In terms of high-temperature performance, the cloud point of XPO-4 is ≥95°C (1% aqueous solution), meaning that under typical high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing conditions (120~135°C), XPO-4 will not precipitate or break down due to temperature rise, maintaining effective surface activity. In comparison, the cloud point of general-purpose Peregal O series products usually varies with the EO number, and some low-EO varieties may undergo phase separation at high temperatures due to insufficient cloud point, affecting the leveling effect. The supplier of XPO-4 explicitly states its "high-temperature stability—no demulsification, no delamination," which is a core capability specifically designed to meet the special requirements of the high-temperature stage of polyester dyeing (especially during the 130°C holding period).
Additionally, the monoester content of XPO-4 is ≥90% (diester ≤5%), indicating high purity and regular structure, which directly ensures the stability and predictability of its emulsifying and dispersing properties. An iodine value of 40~60 indicates that the unsaturated double bonds of the oleic acid chain are retained, imparting some flexibility adjustment function. The low foam property ("low foam") is particularly critical for modern high-temperature and high-pressure jet dyeing machines, as it can prevent fabric clogging and uneven dyeing caused by foam. Ecologically, the biodegradability of XPO-4 is >70%, making it readily biodegradable, which is superior in environmental compliance to some traditional leveling agents that are difficult to degrade.
| Comparison Dimension | XPO-4 (Guoli Chemical) | Peregal O Series (General Ether-Type) | AC Series (Amine-Type) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Type | Glycerol polyoxyethylene ether oleate (Ester-type) | Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (Ether-type) | Octadecylamine polyoxyethylene ether (Amine-type) |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic | Nonionic | Nonionic/Weakly cationic |
| HLB Value | 13.5 | About 10~16 (varies with EO number) | About 12~15 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | ≥95°C | Varies with EO number; some low-EO varieties have cloud point <100°C | Relatively high, but may be affected by pH due to amine groups |
| Monoester/Main Component Content | Monoester ≥90% | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Foam Property | Low foam | Medium to high foam (varies with EO number) | Medium-low foam |
| Emulsifying Power for Disperse Dyes | Very strong (ester group affinity design) | Medium (general-purpose emulsification) | Medium to weak (amine groups may interfere) |
| Suitability for High-Temperature and High-Pressure Dyeing | Specifically designed for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing | General-purpose, not specifically designed for high temperature | Can withstand high temperature, but mainly used for antistatic/leveling |
| Biodegradability | >70% (Readily biodegradable) | Generally biodegradable | Contains amine groups, biodegradability needs attention |
Preferred Scenarios: High-temperature and high-pressure dyeing of polyester (polyester fiber) and its blended fabrics with disperse dyes, especially for sensitive color shades with stringent leveling requirements (such as dark blue, black, deep red, and other colors prone to shade variation) as well as fine-denier polyester, microfiber, and other high-specific-surface-area fabrics. Recommended for liquid flow