Advantages of propylene oxide over fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether in surfactants?

The application of propylene oxide in surfactants has significant advantages over fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (POE). In this paper, the comparison between propylene oxide surfactant (such as propylene oxide block copolymer) and fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether will be analyzed in detail from the aspects of water solubility, foam performance, solubilizing ability and environmental impact.

1. Water soluble better

Propylene oxide surfactants have excellent water solubility, especially exhibit stable solubility over a wide pH range. This property makes the propylene oxide derivatives perform well in aqueous systems and are particularly suitable for use in detergents and cleaning products. In contrast, although fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether also has a certain degree of water solubility, it is easily affected by calcium and magnesium ions under hard water conditions, resulting in reduced performance. Propylene oxide surfactants can still maintain high stability in hard water, further enhancing its advantages in the field of washing and cleaning.

2. Foam performance is better

Propylene oxide surfactants are capable of forming rich, fine and stable foams. This is due to the introduction of propylene oxide units in its molecular structure, which significantly reduces the surface tension, thereby improving the formation and stability of the foam. In personal care products such as shampoo and shower gel, stable foam not only enhances the user experience, but also effectively improves cleaning efficiency. Although fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether can also produce foam, it is slightly inferior in foam stability, especially under high temperature or electrolyte containing conditions, the foam is easy to break, affecting the use effect.

3. Solubilization ability is stronger

Propylene oxide surfactants have excellent solubilizing ability and can effectively dissolve insoluble substances such as oils and fats. This is particularly important in detergents and cleaning products, as these products need to be able to effectively remove stubborn stains, especially oily stains. In contrast, although fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether can also dissolve some oily substances, it is slightly insufficient in solubilization ability, especially at colder temperatures, its dissolution efficiency will be significantly reduced. Propylene oxide surfactants retain their high solubilizing capacity at low temperatures, which allows them to perform well under a variety of environmental conditions.

The environmental impact is small

In terms of environmental protection, propylene oxide surfactants generally have better biodegradability. Propylene oxide block copolymers can be rapidly decomposed through the biodegradation pathway, reducing the long-term impact on the environment. Although fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether also has a certain degree of biodegradability, its degradation rate is relatively slow, especially in a complex environment, it may take a longer time to completely decompose. Therefore, propylene oxide surfactants are more advantageous in environmentally friendly products.

5. Application areas are extensive

Propylene oxide surfactants are widely used in many fields due to their excellent performance. For example, in detergents, propylene oxide block copolymers can effectively improve the cleaning effect and reduce water stains; in cosmetics, its mild cleaning performance is suitable for cleaning and hair care products; in industrial cleaning, its high-efficiency decontamination ability is suitable for various surface cleaning. Although fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether is also used in some fields, its performance limitation makes its application range relatively narrow.

Conclusion

Propylene oxide surfactants have significant advantages over fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ethers in a number of aspects, including better water solubility, foam performance, solubilizing power, and better environmental impact. These advantages make propylene oxide surfactants widely used in the fields of detergents, cosmetics and industrial cleaning. If you are looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly surfactant, propylene oxide may be your best choice.