Manufacture High Quality Detergents and Shampoos Using Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are a special class of non-ionic surfactants. It is manufactured by mixing ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols which have alkayl carbon atoms.  They have about 12 to 14 lauryl alcohols atoms and are commercially designated by the name LAE.

Properties of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate surfactants have many properties that make them ideal for manufacture of detergents, soaps and shampoos.  They have a straight chain Oleo chemical alcohol that makes them exhibit good wetting, dispersion and emulsification properties.
They have high calcium ion tolerance, very high solubility for oily substances and are easily biodegradable. They are also hygroscopic, hydrophilic and lipophilic in nature.

Manufacture of Shampoos and Detergents Using Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are widely used to manufacture detergents and soaps due to their solubility and wetting properties. They are supplied in different grades which determine whether liquid or solid detergents will be made.
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate are used to manufacture sodium Lauryl ether sulphate which is the main ingredient in many detergents and shampoos. The process starts with heating of coconut oil mixed with sodium hydroxide to convert the oil into lauric acid (fatty acids).   The fatty acid is then hydrogenated to convert it to fatty alcohol (lauryl alcohol). Lastly, the sulfonation process converts lauryl alcohol into lauryl sulfate which is then reacted with sodium hydroxide to form sodium lauryl sulfate which is the ingredient in detergents.  In some cases lauryl sulfate is reacted with ammonia to form ammonium lauryl sulfate which is also a detergent.  

The ethoxylation process enhances the wetting and degreasing agents of lauryl sulfate. Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate is mostly preferred as the number of ethylene oxide molecules enhances its foam forming ability, solubility and detergency.

Safety and Handling Aspects of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate and Their Suitability as Detergents

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylates are mild on the human skin making the suitable for manufacturing detergents for washing clothes. They are non toxic, inert, have high flash point and are non corrosive. This makes them safe and easy to handle. They do not affect microorganism and aquatic animals making them environmental friendly.  Upon use, they decompose into carbon dioxide and water and hence, they don’t cause any pollution.

Global Trends in Utilization of Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate as Cleaning Agents

LAEs are highly demanded by companies that manufacture soaps and detergent.  Due to its inert nature, it is highly demanded for both liquid and solid detergents. In addition, it is also used by other industries such as textile, paper, rubber, paint, agrichemical and pharmaceuticals. This increases it demand and utilization.
Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate market is highly competitive due to other ethoxylate products such as Oley amine ethoxylate, coco amine ethoxylate and other surfactants which can also be applied for the same purpose.

Conclusion

Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate is one of the most widely used ethoxylate compounds in manufacture of soaps, shampoos and detergents. The number of ethylene oxide molecules enhances foaming, wetting, solubility and degreasing properties. This makes Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate one of the most effective detergents. 

This article has been written by Govind Patel.