Ethylene Oxide (EO) is a reactive organic compound that, when polymerized with fatty chains such as alcohols or amines, forms nonionic surfactants. These surfactants play a crucial role due to their ability to reduce surface tension between liquids or between a liquid and a solid, thus facilitating dispersion, emulsification, and wetting.
The Ethoxylation Process
The ethoxylation process involves adding ethylene oxide units to a fatty chain, thereby creating a range of products with different properties. The resulting nonionic surfactants are nonpolar and therefore do not carry an electric charge. However, additional steps can be introduced to create anionic or cationic surfactants, offering flexibility and diversity in applications.
Applications of Ethylene Oxide Derivatives
Ethylene oxide derivatives find utility in various industrial sectors due to their versatile properties:
- Additives in Industrial Products: Used in lubricants, metalworking products, water treatment, construction products, paints, etc.
- (Surfactant) Active Agents: Incorporated in detergents, cosmetic products, and phytosanitary products.
The primary objective is to exploit their dispersing, emulsifying, or wetting properties to enhance technical performance or stabilize the formulations of finished products.
Choosing the Right Ethylene Oxide Derivative
Ethoxylation Level
The level of ethoxylation determines the product’s solubility. The higher it is, the more hydrophilic and water-soluble the product will be. Conversely, a lower ethoxylation level will make the product more soluble in oil or fatty/solvent phases. For a given fatty chain, increasing the ethoxylation level will result in the following properties:
- W/O Emulsion (water in oil)
- Wetting/Detergent Properties
- O/W Emulsion (oil in water) – Dispersion
- Demulsifying Properties
Coupling EO with propylene oxide (PO) is often used to increase the wetting power of the formulation while controlling foaming properties. In the absence of a lipophilic chain, an EO/PO block polymer will be used as an additive to control foam.
Choice of Lipophilic Chain
The nature and length of the lipophilic chain directly influence the product’s toxicity. For example, a short-chain amine will be more labeled (CLP) than a long-chain fatty alcohol or amide. Marketing claims also play a role: a natural chain is more compatible with products claiming a vegetable origin than a synthetic chain. The final use of the formula (industrial, cosmetic, etc.) may also regulate the selection of the chain. For instance, a product intended for food use must comply with specific regulations prohibiting certain lipophilic chains.
Selection Criteria for Ethylene Oxide Derivatives
The various molecules available on the market are often evaluated according to two main criteria: CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration) and HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance). However, these criteria alone are not sufficient to ensure optimal technical performance. It is also crucial to consider cloud points and the parameters of the lipophilic chain, such as average distribution and steric hindrance.
PCB CHIMIE’s Offer
PCB Chimie offers a wide range of ethylene oxide-derived molecules, including market standards. We provide our products in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, with supplies from our depot in Le Havre (Normandy). Our products include:
- Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohols
- EO/PO Alcohols
- Block Polymers
- PEG (Polyethylene Glycols)
Whether for new development or an alternative source, PCB CHIMIE is ready to provide high-quality products that meet your specific needs. We are committed to turning your challenges into opportunities through our expertise and dedication to innovation.