Reformulated alkanolamines keep their colours
15 Jan 2000
Dow Chemical has reformulated its generic alkanolamine product diethanolamine (DEA), manufactured at Plaquemine, Louisiana. The new formulation offers more consistent colour which will benefit surface active agent and cosmetics manufacturers, the company claims.
Alkanolamines are non-ionic surface agents which are mainly employed as foam stabilisers, emulsifiers and viscosity builders in such products as detergents and cosmetics.
The chemicals are prepared by condensing a primary or secondary alkanolamine with a compound such as ethyl or methyl fatty acid ester or triglyceride oil - typically lauric acid or coconut oil. Alkanolamine soaps are relatively non-corrosive and do not harm materials or the skin.
During the detergent's cleaning process the alkanolamine aids the grease constituent of dirt to form an emulsion with water, to break it from the material being cleaned.
The company declined to give details on how the colour performance of the alkanolamines has been improved. However, Morton Aubrey, marketing manager, alkanolamines, said: `Our new formulation will give manufacturers the security they need. The performance of other active aspects of these chemicals will not change.'
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