For procurement managers and formulation scientists in the chemical industry, selecting the right non-ionic surfactant is paramount to product success. Fatty Alcohol Ether (FAE) stands out as a versatile and effective option, widely used across various sectors. Understanding its properties and applications can significantly streamline your sourcing process and enhance your final product performance. This article serves as a practical guide to help you make informed purchasing decisions when looking to buy FAE.

What is Fatty Alcohol Ether?

Fatty Alcohol Ether is a class of non-ionic surfactants characterized by their ethoxylated fatty alcohol structure. This chemical composition allows them to exhibit excellent emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and detergent properties. Their non-ionic nature means they are less sensitive to water hardness and pH changes compared to ionic surfactants, offering greater formulation flexibility. As a responsible manufacturer, we ensure our FAE is produced with minimal byproducts, aligning with growing environmental standards.

Key Properties for Your Consideration:

  • Solubility: Our FAE is highly soluble in oil and common polar solvents, and readily disperses in water. This makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring efficient emulsification, particularly in water-in-oil (W/O) systems.
  • Low-Temperature Stability: A critical advantage is its stability at low temperatures (0ºC), preventing stratification or precipitation, which is vital for consistent product performance throughout the year.
  • HLB Value: The Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value can be tailored by adjusting the number of ethylene oxide (EO) units. For instance, FAE with an HLB of 6-7 is typically lipophilic and suitable for W/O emulsification, while higher HLB values are more water-soluble and used for O/W systems or detergency.
  • Eco-Friendly Profile: Developed as an environmentally friendlier alternative, FAE offers good biodegradability, making it a preferred choice over older surfactant technologies like nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs).

Applications Across Industries:

The versatility of Fatty Alcohol Ether allows its application in a wide array of industries:

  • Textile and Leather: Used as scouring agents, dyeing auxiliaries, and leveling agents for improved fiber treatment and dye penetration.
  • Agrochemicals: Acts as an effective emulsifier and wetting agent for pesticide and herbicide formulations, enhancing spray coverage and efficacy.
  • Detergents and Cleaning: Incorporated into household and industrial cleaning products for its excellent detergency and low-foaming properties, especially in high-efficiency formulations.
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: Functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, and other personal care items.
  • Industrial Processes: Serves as a key emulsifier in synthetic fiber oil agents, metalworking fluids, and other industrial chemical processes.

Sourcing FAE: Where to Buy and What to Expect

When you look to buy Fatty Alcohol Ether, it's essential to partner with a reliable manufacturer and supplier. We, at NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., offer not only high-purity FAE but also a seamless procurement experience. Our extensive production capacity ensures a stable supply, meaning you can purchase in bulk with confidence. We provide detailed technical specifications, MSDS, and samples to facilitate your evaluation. Don't hesitate to request a quote; our dedicated sales team is ready to assist you with pricing, customization options, and delivery timelines. Sourcing directly from a trusted manufacturer in China ensures competitive pricing and direct access to technical expertise.

Conclusion:

Fatty Alcohol Ether is a cornerstone ingredient for many modern formulations. Its balanced properties, environmental profile, and broad applicability make it an indispensable chemical auxiliary. By understanding its characteristics and working with a reputable supplier, you can effectively leverage its benefits to enhance your product performance and meet market demands. We are committed to being your go-to source for high-quality FAE, offering competitive prices and dependable service.