Triethanolamine (TEA) belongs to the category of the ethanolamines and is used primarily in the manufacture of fabric softeners.
Triethanolamine is obtained from the reaction of Ethylene Oxide and Ammonia. This reaction also produces Monoethanolamine and Diethanolamine, which are also products sold by Saiper.
Ethanolamines are chemical compounds belonging to the group of amines and alcohols. This results in their unique property of being able to react with both groups: in the form of alcohol, ethanolamines are hygroscopic and can react to form esters, whereas in the form of amines, they are slightly alkaline and react with acids to form salts and soaps. These properties form the basis for most applications of Triethanolamine.
For industrial applications, the product is used either in pure form (concentration >99%) or as mixture with Diethanolamine (usually in the concentration of 85% Triethanolamine and 15% Diethanolamine) as well as in an aqueous solution of varying concentrations.
Saiper, only markets the pure form (concentration >99%) of Triethanolamine.
| Chemical Name: | Triethanolamine |
| Chemical Family: | Ethanolamine |
|
Other Names: |
• TEA |
|
CAS No: |
102-71-6 |
| Chemical Formula: | C6H15NO3 |
Benefits and Applications
Detergents:
• TEA imparts a reserve alkalinity to the laundry bath, which is essential to efficient cleaning.
• TEA is an effective oil and anti-redeposition agent.
Personal Care:
• TEA may be reacted with lauryl sulfate to form the foaming base surfactant used in hair shampoos.
• Fatty acids neutralized with TEA are excellent emulsifiers for oil-in water emulsions such as gel-type industrial hand cleaners, aerosol shave creams, and hand and body lotions.
• TEA is also used as the base component in the production of certain mild bar soaps.
Textile Finishing:
• TEA is used as reaction intermediates for the preparation of durable press fabric finishes and softeners.
• When reacted to form amine soaps, useful as scouring agents for wool and silk because of its low alkalinity.
• Because it is hygroscopic, TEA is used in the preparation of vat printing pastes.
• TEA is also useful in making acetate rayon dyes.
