What is Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate and what is it used for?

Posted by sachin sathe on May 21st, 2021

They are non-ionic and used as surface agents. Lauryl alcohol ethoxylates are chemicals that are used in the making of detergents and for various other applications. These chemicals are one of the most popular ones used by detergent and cleaning industries.

Facts about this chemical

1)    Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate is a fatty alcohol ethoxylate that is synthesized from a fatty alcohol like lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide.
2)    These ethoxylated alcohols have a hydrophilic or water-loving portion that attracts water and a hydrophobic or water-hating portion that repels water. It is this property that makes this chemical used as a surfactant.
3)    They can bring both oil and water together thereby lowering the interfacial energy. This brings in the various features of this chemical substance.
4)    It has no electrical charge on its head and is thus non-ionic.
5)    It appears in the form of a thick sticky liquid.
6)    This chemical is used extensively in making soaps and detergents. The reason for its use is that it is able to easily remove mud, soil, dirt, grime, etc. easily. It is used as a wetting agent. It is used to make detergents as well as hard surface cleaners.
7)    It is used to produce foam while used in personal care products. This is why it is used to make bath gels and shampoos.
8)    It is used to prepare sodium lauryl ether sulfate, which is a surfactant used in the manufacture of various types of personal care products like cosmetics.
9)    It is used in other industries too. It is used as an emulsifier in the paint industry as well as for coatings.
10)    It is also used in the textile sector.