Product Brief: Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-3 (MOA-3)
Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether-3 (MOA-3), also known as AEO-3 (CAS 68439-50-9), is a high-performance non-ionic surfactant. With a HLB value of 6-7, it excels in emulsification, dispersion, and wetting, mainly for water-in-oil (W/O) systems.
Derived from C12-14 fatty alcohols and 3 moles of ethylene oxide, it’s mild, compatible with anionic/cationic surfactants, and resistant to hard water. Widely used in cosmetics (creams), metalworking fluids, paints, pesticides, and textiles. Available in liquid/paste form, it ensures stable formulations and reliable performance for industrial & daily chemical applications.
Product Advantage
1. Excellent Emulsifying Performance for W/O Systems with Stable HLB Value
AEO-3 (CAS 68439-50-9) has a precise HLB value of 6-7, making it ideal for water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification. It can stably disperse water droplets into oil phases with a particle size of 1-5 μm, ensuring emulsion stability for over 6 months without stratification. Our production achieves a purity of 99.2%, which is 2% higher than industry averages, reducing impurities that affect emulsification efficiency.
2. Strong Compatibility & Low Irritation for Multi-Field Applications
As a non-ionic surfactant, AEO-3 is compatible with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants (e.g., AEO-9, Tween-80) with a compatibility rate of 98%. It has a skin irritation index of only 0.8 (tested by SGS), far lower than anionic surfactants (average 3.2), making it safe for cosmetics (e.g., creams) and personal care products. It also remains stable in pH 5.0-9.0, adapting to industrial scenarios like metalworking fluids.
3. Hard Water Resistance & High Thermal Stability
AEO-3 shows excellent hard water resistance: in water with a hardness of 500 mg/L (as CaCO₃), its emulsification efficiency only decreases by 3%, while ordinary emulsifiers drop by 15-20%. It maintains stable performance at 0-80℃; even at 80℃, its activity retention rate is 95%, which is 8% higher than similar products. This ensures reliable use in high-temperature processes such as paint dispersion.
4. Cost-Effective Bulk Supply with Strict Quality Control
We offer AEO-3 in bulk (200L drums, 1000L IBC tanks) with a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500kg, reducing packaging and transportation costs by 12% for customers. Our production follows ISO 9001 standards, with 12 quality inspection points (from raw material to finished product). Each batch comes with a COA (Certificate of Analysis), ensuring consistent quality—batch-to-batch purity variation is less than 0.5%.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Category | Test Item | Standard Index | Unit |
Basic Physical Properties | Appearance (25℃) | Colorless to pale yellow liquid | - |
| Color（Pt-Co） | ≤30 |
|
| Density (20℃) | 0.920 - 0.950 | g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25℃) | 80 - 150 | mPa·s |
| Refractive Index (25℃) | 1.4450 - 1.4550 | - |
Chemical Performance | Hydroxyl Value | 170 - 180 | mg KOH/g |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0 - 7.0 | - |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) |
| ℃ |
| HLB Value | 6.0 - 7.0 | - |
Purity & Impurity | Active Content | ≥99.0 | % |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.5 | % |
| Ash Content | ≤0.1 | % |
| Free Lauryl Alcohol | ≤0.3 | % |
Note: All parameters comply with ISO 9001 quality management system standards. Each batch of products is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure consistency and traceability.
Product Uses
1. Daily Chemical & Personal Care
As a mild non-ionic emulsifier, AEO-3 is ideal for water-in-oil (W/O) cosmetics like moisturizing creams and hand lotions. Its low irritation (skin irritation index ≤0.8) ensures compatibility with sensitive skin, while stable emulsification (no stratification for 6+ months) improves product shelf life. It also aids in dispersing oils in makeup remover oils and hair serums.
2. Metalworking Industry
In metal cutting fluids and anti-rust oils, AEO-3 acts as a core emulsifier to blend oil-based lubricants/rust inhibitors with water. Its hard water resistance (efficiency drops only 3% in 500mg/L CaCO₃ water) ensures stable performance in diverse water quality, reducing metal wear. It also enhances fluid wetting on metal surfaces, boosting processing efficiency.
3. Paints & Inks
AEO-3 serves as a dispersant in oil-based paints and inks, helping pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide, carbon black) disperse evenly in resin systems. Its high thermal stability (95% activity retention at 80℃) adapts to high-temperature paint mixing processes, prevent pigment subsidence and improving paint coverage and gloss.
4. Pesticide Formulations
For pesticide emulsifiable concentrates (EC), AEO-3 emulsifies oil-based active ingredients into water, enabling uniform spraying. Its compatibility with other surfactants (98% compatibility rate) allows formula adjustment, while stable W/O emulsification ensures pesticide adhesion on crop surfaces, enhancing efficacy and reducing runoff.
5. Textile Auxiliaries
In textile softeners and waterproofing agents, AEO-3 assists in attaching oil-based softening/waterproofing components to fabric fibers. It improves component dispersion, ensuring consistent softness or waterproofing across fabrics. Its neutral pH (5.0-7.0) also avoids damaging delicate textiles like silk or wool.
Usage & Handling Guide
Temperature Control: Heat AEO-3 and the target phase (oil for W/O systems) to 50-70℃ (consistent temp) for better solubility—avoid over 80℃ to prevent performance loss.
Mixing Method: Add AEO-3 slowly to the phase while stirring (300-500 rpm) to avoid agglomeration; stir for 10-15 mins until fully dispersed.
Compatibility: For O/W systems, mix with high-HLB surfactants (e.g., AEO-9) and test HLB value first.
Safety: Wear gloves/eye protection; rinse with water if in contact with skin/eyes. Store sealed in a cool, dark place.
FAQ
1、Q: How to confirm the purity of your AEO-3?
A: Our AEO-3 has ≥99.0% active content (tested by HPLC). Each batch comes with a COA, and we can provide third-party test reports (e.g., SGS) on request to verify purity.
2、Q: What's the shelf life of AEO-3, and how to store it?
A: Shelf life is 12 months (unopened) when stored in sealed containers, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures (≤30℃). Avoid moisture to prevent moisture content exceeding ≤0.5%.
3、Q: Can AEO-3 be used in water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) systems?
A: AEO-3 (HLB 6.0-7.0) is mainly for W/O systems. For O/W, it must be mixed with high-HLB surfactants (e.g., AEO-9) and adjust the ratio to meet the required HLB value.
4、Q: Is AEO-3 safe for cosmetic applications?
A: Yes. Its skin irritation index is ≤0.8 (SGS tested), far lower than industry averages. It complies with cosmetic standards (e.g., EU Regulation 1223/2009) for safe use in creams and lotions.
5、Q: What if AEO-3 becomes turbid at low temperatures?
A: Turbidity (below 10℃, due to cloud point ＜10℃) is normal. Heat it to 25-30℃ and stir gently; it will return to a transparent state without affecting performance.
