Ethoxylated fatty Acid

Fatty acid ethoxylates (CAS 9004-81-3) are nonionic surfactants produced by ethoxylation of fatty acids such as coconut, lauric, oleic, and stearic acids. Ethylene oxide is added in controlled moles to tailor HLB, solubility, and detergency for household, textile, leather, and personal care applications.

Properties and HLB tuning

Fatty acid ethoxylates range from clear liquids to waxy solids depending on chain length and EO content. Nonionic character provides stability in hard water, acidic and alkaline media, and compatibility with other surfactant classes. Different EO levels enable use as solubilizers, dispersants, emulsifiers, lubricants, and antistatic agents.

Applications

Used in detergents, fabric softeners, metal-working fluids, textile spin finishes, and cosmetic/pharmaceutical formulations. Grades include stearic acid ethoxylate (waxy, structuring), oleic acid ethoxylate (liquid at ambient temperature, spin-finish lubricant), and coconut fatty acid ethoxylate (C12–C14 cut for mild detergency and emulsification).

Stearic, oleic, and coconut fatty acid ethoxylates

Stearic acid ethoxylate (C18:0) provides body and waxy structure in cream emulsions and textile lubricants; mid- to high-EO grades (10–20 EO) emulsify mineral oils and waxes.

Oleic acid ethoxylate (C18:1) remains liquid at room temperature — preferred for metal-working soluble oils, fiber lubricants, and cold-climate formulations at 5–15 EO.

Coconut fatty acid ethoxylate (C12–C14) offers faster wetting and milder detergency for institutional cleaners and agrochemical adjuvants.

Manufacturing at Venus

Venus manufactures C12–C18 fatty acid ethoxylates alongside fatty alcohol ethoxylates and ethoxylated alcohols. Read the fatty acid ethoxylates guide and fatty amine ethoxylates guide for related chemistries or contact Venus for custom EO levels.