C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations
# C9-11 Pareth 6: Properties and Applications in Industrial Formulations
## Introduction to C9-11 Pareth 6
C9-11 Pareth 6 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of alcohol ethoxylates. This chemical compound is widely used in various industrial applications due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties. The “C9-11” in its name refers to the carbon chain length of the fatty alcohol used as the starting material, while “Pareth 6” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units added during the ethoxylation process.
## Chemical Properties
C9-11 Pareth 6 exhibits several important chemical characteristics that make it valuable in industrial formulations:
- Molecular weight: Approximately 400-450 g/mol
- Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid
- Solubility: Soluble in water and most organic solvents
- HLB value: Around 12-13 (moderate hydrophilicity)
- pH (1% solution): Typically 5.0-7.0
Key Functional Properties
The unique molecular structure of C9-11 Pareth 6 provides several functional benefits:
- Excellent emulsification capabilities for oil-water systems
- Good wetting and spreading properties
- Effective detergent action
- Compatibility with a wide range of other surfactants
- Low foam generation compared to higher ethoxylates
## Industrial Applications
Cleaning Products
C9-11 Pareth 6 is commonly used in industrial and institutional cleaning formulations, including:
- Hard surface cleaners
- Degreasers
- Metal cleaning solutions
- Textile processing aids
Agricultural Formulations
In agrochemical applications, this surfactant serves as:
- Emulsifier in pesticide formulations
- Wetting agent for foliar applications
- Adjuvant to improve active ingredient performance
Other Industrial Uses
Additional applications include:
- Paper and pulp processing
- Leather treatment
- Oilfield chemicals
- Paint and coating additives
## Advantages Over Similar Surfactants
C9-11 Pareth 6 offers several advantages compared to other alcohol ethoxylates:
- Better balance between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties than higher or lower ethoxylates
- Improved performance in hard water conditions
- Lower irritation potential than some alternative surfactants
- More cost-effective than specialty surfactants for many applications
## Handling and Safety Considerations
Storage Recommendations
For optimal shelf life and performance:
- Store in sealed containers away from direct sunlight
- Maintain storage temperature between 10-40°C
- Protect from freezing
Safety Information
Keyword: C9-11 Pareth 6
While generally considered safe for industrial use:
- Avoid prolonged skin contact
- Use appropriate personal