Product Description: Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate – LA 10
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate – LA 10 is a non-ionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol, which is a fatty alcohol obtained from natural sources such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil. This product is characterized by its ethoxylation process, where ethylene oxide is added to lauryl alcohol, resulting in a compound that exhibits excellent wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. LA 10 is widely used in various industrial and consumer applications due to its ability to enhance the performance of formulations, improve solubility, and stabilize emulsions.
Uses of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate – LA 10
- Household Cleaning Products: Utilized in formulations for laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and all-purpose cleaners to improve cleaning efficiency and reduce surface tension.
- Personal Care Products: Commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, where it acts as a surfactant and emulsifier, providing a rich lather and enhancing product stability.
- Industrial Applications: Employed in the formulation of paints, coatings, and inks to improve wetting and spreading properties, ensuring even application and finish.
- Agricultural Products: Used as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations to enhance the effectiveness of active ingredients by improving their spread and adhesion on plant surfaces.
- Textile Industry: Acts as a wetting agent in dyeing and finishing processes, ensuring uniform dye uptake and enhancing fabric feel.
Technical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate |
| CAS Number | 9002-92-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| Active Content | 100% |
| HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) | 12.5 |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Flash Point | > 100°C |
| Density | 0.95 – 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity | 100 – 500 cP |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight |
Key Features
- Non-Ionic Nature: LA 10 is non-ionic, making it compatible with a wide range of other surfactants and additives.
- Biodegradable: This product is environmentally friendly, as it is biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.
- Versatile Applications: Its multifunctional properties allow it to be used across various industries, enhancing product performance and user experience.
How to Make Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (LAE) – LA 10
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (LAE-10) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol (dodecanol, C12H26O) with ethylene oxide (EO). The “10” in LAE-10 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units added per lauryl alcohol molecule.
1. Raw Materials Required
- Lauryl Alcohol (C12H26O): The main hydrophobic base.
- Ethylene Oxide (EO, C2H4O): Provides hydrophilic properties.
- Catalyst: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), or boron trifluoride (BF₃).
- Inert Gas: Nitrogen (N₂) to prevent unwanted oxidation.
2. Process Steps
Step 1: Preparation of Lauryl Alcohol
- Pure lauryl alcohol is fed into the stainless steel ethoxylation reactor.
- The system is sealed and flushed with nitrogen to remove oxygen (which can cause unwanted side reactions).
Step 2: Ethoxylation Reaction
- The catalyst (NaOH, KOH, or BF₃) is added to the reactor.
- The reactor is heated to 120–180°C and pressurized to 3–6 bar.
- Ethylene oxide (EO) is gradually introduced while stirring.
- The reaction proceeds as follows: \text{C}_1_2\text{H}_2_6\text{O} + 10 (\text{C}_2\text{H}_4\text{O}) \rightarrow \text{C}_1_2\text{H}_2_6(\text{OCH}_2\text{CH}_2)_1_0\text{OH}
- The number of EO molecules (typically 10 moles per mole of lauryl alcohol) determines the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of the final product.
Step 3: Neutralization and Purification
- Once the ethoxylation reaction reaches completion, the catalyst is neutralized using acids like phosphoric acid or acetic acid.
- Unreacted EO and impurities are removed by vacuum stripping or distillation.
- The final product is cooled and filtered.
3. Product Characteristics of LAE-10
- Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow viscous liquid or paste.
- HLB Value: ~13-15 (water-soluble, ideal for detergents and emulsifiers).
- Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, and organic solvents.
- Surface Tension Reduction: Enhances detergency and wetting properties.
4. Applications of LAE-10
- Detergents & Shampoos: Acts as a foaming and cleansing agent.
- Textile Industry: Used as a wetting and emulsifying agent.
- Agrochemicals: Helps in pesticide formulations.
- Industrial Cleaning: Used in degreasers and metal cleaners.
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Summary
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate – LA 10 is a versatile and effective surfactant that plays a crucial role in numerous formulations across different industries. Its excellent emulsifying and wetting properties make it an essential ingredient in cleaning products, personal care items, industrial applications, and more. With its favorable technical characteristics and environmental profile, LA 10 is a preferred choice for formulators seeking reliable performance and sustainability.