Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether (AEO) is a fundamental non-ionic surfactant with widespread applications across numerous industries. Its versatility stems from its tunable properties, primarily dictated by the number of ethylene oxide (EO) units attached to the fatty alcohol chain. For procurement professionals and formulators, understanding these different grades of AEO is essential for selecting the most suitable product for a specific application. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., as a knowledgeable supplier of fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, guides you through this selection process.

The nomenclature of AEO typically includes a number indicating the average number of EO units, such as AEO-7 or AEO-9. This number directly influences key physicochemical properties:

  • Solubility: Generally, as the number of EO units increases, the AEO becomes more hydrophilic and soluble in water. Lower EO content AEOs tend to be more soluble in oils and less soluble in water.
  • HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) Value: The HLB value is a measure of the degree to which a surfactant is hydrophilic or lipophilic. Higher HLB values (typically above 10) indicate greater water solubility and are characteristic of emulsifiers for oil-in-water (O/W) systems. Lower HLB values (below 7) indicate more oil-soluble surfactants, suitable for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. AEO grades commonly used in detergents and textile applications often fall into the higher HLB range.
  • Cloud Point: This is the temperature at which a solution of the surfactant becomes cloudy. It’s an important parameter for applications involving elevated temperatures.
  • Wetting, Emulsifying, and Detergency: The specific balance of EO units influences how effectively an AEO grade performs these functions. For instance, detergents often benefit from AEOs with good detergency and low foaming, like AEO-9, while textile applications might require AEOs optimized for wetting and dye leveling.

When you need to buy AEO for specific applications, consider the following:

  • Detergents: For general-purpose and HE detergents, AEOs with good detergency and low to moderate foam, such as AEO-7 or AEO-9, are excellent choices.
  • Textiles: For dyeing and finishing, AEOs with good wetting and leveling properties are preferred. These often have higher EO content for better water solubility.
  • Industrial Cleaning: Depending on the type of soil and surface, different AEO grades might be optimal for emulsifying and degreasing.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a reliable AEO surfactant supplier in China, offering a range of AEO products to meet diverse industrial needs. We ensure that each grade we supply meets high-quality standards. We invite you to contact us to get a quote for AEO surfactant and discuss which grade best suits your formulation requirements. Choosing the right AEO grade is a critical step in optimizing your product's performance and efficiency.