Performance levers
Carbon chain and EO degree influence HLB, detergency, solubility, and foam.
Product Specialty Additives
Nonionic Surfactant (Alcohol Ethoxylate)
Industrial-grade alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant for wetting, emulsification, and detergency. Available across multiple chain lengths and ethoxylation (EO) ranges to match foaming, solvency, and HLB targets.
Packaging: drums / IBC / bulk (as applicable)
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS on request
Export-ready lane: labeling & shipment coordination
Typical supply options: C9–11, C12–15, C16–18 alcohol ethoxylates
Typical EO ranges: ~3–15 (application-dependent)
Foam profile: from low-foam to balanced foam (per grade)
Why buyers specify alcohol ethoxylates
Alcohol ethoxylates are a workhorse nonionic surfactant class used to tune wetting, emulsification, detergency, and foam profile. By selecting carbon chain length and EO number, formulators can match cleaning performance, rinse behavior, and stability needs.
Formulation flexibility
Compatible with many anionic/nonionic systems; used in blends for targeted outcomes.
Procurement-ready
We align grade + packaging + documentation so you can repeat orders with fewer surprises.
*Listed ranges are typical industry options. Final grade selection depends on your formula, temperature window, and foam/rinse requirements.
Applications
Alcohol ethoxylates are used across industrial cleaning and process formulations where wetting and emulsification matter. Tell us your substrate and process and we’ll align a grade that fits.
- Industrial & institutional cleaners (degreasers, alkaline cleaners, maintenance washes)
- Low-foam / controlled-foam cleaning (CIP, spray cleaning, bottle/pack wash in some systems)
- Emulsifiable concentrates & solvent-assisted systems (where compatible)
- Metalworking & machinery maintenance (wetting + soil lift; grade dependent)
- Textile/leather processing aids (wetting/penetration; grade dependent)
- General process aids (wetting, defoam-balance blends, rinse improvement)
Wetting
Reduces surface tension to improve contact on oily or hydrophobic surfaces (grade dependent).
Emulsification
Supports oil-in-water emulsions to suspend soils and stabilize cleaner concentrates.
Detergency booster
Used in blends to enhance soil lift and help manage rinse behavior.
Typical specifications & formats
Values are grade-dependent (chain length + EO). Confirm the exact specification on quotation and COA.
Chemical family
Ethoxylated fatty alcohol (nonionic surfactant)
Grade options
Typical EO range ~3–15; chain lengths often C9–11 / C12–15 / C16–18
Appearance
Clear to hazy liquid, or viscous/paste at lower temperatures (grade dependent)
HLB
Varies with EO; typically increases as EO increases (confirm per grade)
Solubility
From dispersible to fully soluble in water depending on EO and temperature
Foam profile
Low-foam to balanced foam; selectable for spray/CIP vs manual cleaning use
Cloud point
Grade-dependent; critical for hot solutions and alkaline cleaning stability
Documentation
SDS / COA standard; TDS available for selected grades
Packaging
Drums, IBC, and bulk where available (per lane and destination)
Selection guide (rule-of-thumb)
Lower EO often improves oil solubilization/emulsification and may reduce water solubility; higher EO typically increases hydrophilicity and can shift foam/rinse behavior. Final selection depends on temperature window and performance targets.
Compatibility notes
Often compatible with many anionic surfactants and builders. High electrolyte or extreme pH systems may impact clarity and phase behavior—verify with your formula conditions.
Quality control focus
Typical QC includes appearance, active matter (as applicable), moisture, pH (solution), and other grade-specific metrics. COA confirms lot values.
Note: Specifications may vary with origin, grade, and packaging selection. Provide your target performance (foam, solubility, temperature) for best-fit recommendation.
Technical guidance for formulators
This product family is frequently used as a primary surfactant or as a co-surfactant to tune performance. Below are practical, procurement-safe points that help shorten trials and prevent mismatch.
Temperature window
Cloud point and viscosity changes are often the limiting factors. For hot alkaline cleaning, select grades with suitable cloud point and stability in your builder package.
Foam control
For spray/CIP, choose lower-foam grades or blend with defoamers. For manual cleaning, balanced foam grades can improve user perception and dwell time.
Solvent / hydrotrope effects
Solvents and hydrotropes can shift phase behavior and clarity. Share your solvent list (if any) to avoid haze or separation in concentrates.
Electrolytes & builders
High salts, silicates, carbonates, phosphates, or caustic systems can influence solubility and stability. Bench tests under real dilution conditions are recommended.
Material compatibility
Always confirm compatibility with sensitive substrates (aluminum alloys, certain plastics, coatings). Surfactant choice affects wetting and residue characteristics.
Rinse & residue
EO level and blend design can impact rinsing and film. If “no streak / no film” is critical, tell us your rinse quality and surface type.
Supply, packaging & handling
Designed for repeat procurement: predictable packaging, documentation, and communication.
Packaging options
Typically supplied in drums and IBCs; bulk options may be available by lane. Packaging availability depends on grade and origin.
Storage & shelf life
Store sealed in original containers, away from excessive heat and moisture. Some grades may become hazy or viscous in cold conditions—warming typically restores flow. Confirm shelf life and storage window on COA/SDS.
Handling notes
Follow SDS guidance. Use standard chemical handling controls (PPE, ventilation, spill response). For transfer, confirm viscosity at your ambient temperature.
Documentation pack
SDS and COA are available on request; TDS available for selected grades. We can align documentation needs to destination requirements where feasible.
Lead times
Lead time depends on grade, origin, and volume. For recurring demand, contract lanes can stabilize availability and reduce variance.
How we quote
We quote against a defined grade spec + packaging + destination, so you can compare suppliers and re-order with consistency.
Regulatory status, transport classification, and labeling requirements vary by grade and destination. Confirm on SDS and shipment documents.
FAQ
Which grade should I pick?
Start with your process (CIP/spray/manual), foam tolerance, temperature window, and whether you need higher water solubility or stronger emulsification. Share these and we can shortlist the best-fit EO and chain length.
Can I use it with anionics?
Often yes—many formulations blend nonionics with anionics to balance foam, wetting, and detergency. High electrolytes and extreme pH can change clarity and stability—test under real conditions.
Do you provide samples?
Where supply lane allows, sample requests can be evaluated. Provide your target grade range and intended testing plan so we can align the right material.
Request a quotation
For accurate pricing and lead time, we quote against a defined grade (chain length + EO) and delivery lane. If you’re not sure which grade to choose, describe your application and we’ll propose options.
Best for procurement
Define grade + pack + destination to receive a comparable, repeatable offer.
Best for formulators
Share foam/temperature/pH targets; we’ll recommend 1–2 suitable grades.
Fast turnaround
Include monthly volume and incoterms preference to speed up quoting.