AEO-3, AEO-7 and AEO-9: HLB, Cloud Point and Application Selection
The AEO series fatty alcohol ethoxylates (C12-C14 based) represent one of the most versatile classes of non-ionic surfactants in industrial chemistry. AEO-3, AEO-7 and AEO-9 provide different hydrophilic-lipophilic balances for detergent and emulsifier screening. EO number is a shortlist variable, not proof of finished-formula stability.
Kemaix AEO Portfolio: AEO-3/7/9 Specifications | Request Bulk Pricing & Samples
Technical Comparison: AEO-3, AEO-7 vs AEO-9
| Product Code | HLB Value | Cloud Point (1% aq.) | Primary Industrial Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEO-3 | 8.0 – 9.0 | Oil-soluble | W/O Emulsifier, chemical intermediate |
| AEO-7 | 12.0 – 13.0 | 50 – 60°C | Laundry detergents, scouring agents |
| AEO-9 | 13.0 – 14.5 | 75 – 85°C | Heavy-duty cleaners, degreasers |
What is the AEO Series?
AEO surfactants are synthesized by the addition of ethylene oxide (EO) to natural or synthetic fatty alcohols (usually C12 to C14). The number following “AEO” (e.g., AEO-9) represents the average number of moles of ethylene oxide added to each mole of alcohol.
As the EO chain length increases, the surfactant’s properties shift from lipophilic (oil-loving) to hydrophilic (water-loving). You can view our full technical specifications on our AEO Product Page.
Technical Comparison: AEO-3, AEO-7 vs AEO-9
| Product Code | HLB Value | Cloud Point (1% aq.) | Primary Industrial Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEO-3 | 8.0 – 9.0 | Oil-soluble | W/O Emulsifier, chemical intermediate |
| AEO-7 | 12.0 – 13.0 | 50 – 60°C | Laundry detergents, scouring agents |
| AEO-9 | 13.0 – 14.5 | 75 – 85°C | Heavy-duty cleaners, degreasers |
1. AEO-3: Oil-Soluble
Primary Role: Lipophilic W/O Emulsifier.
Top Usage: Chemical intermediate & anti-foaming agent for industrial cleaning formulations.
2. AEO-7: Versatile Wetting
Primary Role: The “All-rounder” Penetrant.
Top Usage: Textile scouring and fibre-wetting screening; verify cleaning, penetration, foam and dye-levelness in the actual process.
3. AEO-9: Detergency Power
Primary Role: Hydrophilic O/W Emulsifier.
Top Usage: High-efficiency laundry detergents and heavy-duty industrial degreasers.
Why Choose KEMAIX AEO Series?
At KEMAIX, we don’t just supply chemicals; we provide stability.
Review homologue-distribution requirements in the written specification and confirm relevant batch data before use.
Unreacted alcohol and 1,4-dioxane limits are grade-, method- and market-specific; request the written specification and applicable analytical data.
Reliable, streamlined supply chains optimized for our international buyers.
FAQ: Common Questions About Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates (AEO)
Q1: Is AEO-7 or AEO-9 better for household laundry detergents?
For aqueous liquid-detergent screening, AEO-9 may be a useful starting candidate because of its higher HLB; compare detergency, clarity, foam, rinse and storage stability in the complete formula. However, many formulators use a blend of AEO-7 and AEO-9 to balance cost-effectiveness and performance across different wash temperatures.
Q2: Can AEO surfactants be mixed with anionic surfactants like SLES?
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of the AEO Series is its non-ionic nature, which provides excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants. Mixing AEO with SLES often produces a synergistic effect, enhancing both foaming and grease removal.
Q3: How does the “Cloud Point” affect the choice of AEO?
The cloud point is the temperature above which the surfactant solution becomes turbid and loses its effectiveness. If your industrial cleaning process involves high temperatures (>50°C), you should choose a grade with a higher cloud point, such as AEO-9, or add stabilizers to ensure the formula remains clear and active.
Q4: Are KEMAIX AEO products biodegradable?
Yes, the AEO series derived from linear fatty alcohols is considered readily biodegradable. This makes them an environmentally responsible choice for both household and industrial cleaning applications, meeting modern global regulatory standards.
Q5: What is the shelf life of AEO-7 and AEO-9?
When stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse in original sealed packaging, the shelf life is typically 24 months. It is important to prevent exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures to maintain chemical stability.
Conclusion
Selecting between AEO-3 and AEO-9 isn’t just about solubility—it’s about the chemistry of your specific interface. Whether you are formulating a heavy-duty degreaser or a delicate textile auxiliary, KEMAIX is here to support your technical journey.
Need a Quote or a Technical Sample?
As a leading surfactant manufacturer, we provide customized solutions for your unique requirements.
Contact KEMAIX TodayDiscuss your project with our technical experts and optimize your formulation now.
Quick answer: EO number changes the balance of oil affinity, water solubility and temperature behavior
Within a comparable fatty-alcohol feedstock, lower-EO AEO grades are generally more lipophilic, while higher-EO grades are generally more water-compatible. AEO-3 to AEO-9 should therefore be screened by application role, but EO number does not by itself predict foam, detergency, biodegradation, impurities or finished-formula stability.
| Grade direction | Typical screening role | Key confirmation |
|---|---|---|
| AEO-3 / lower EO | Oil-phase affinity, co-emulsification and intermediate feedstock roles | Water dispersibility, blend ratio and interfacial performance |
| AEO-5 to AEO-7 / intermediate EO | Balanced wetting and emulsification candidates | Cloud/phase behavior, foam and electrolyte tolerance |
| AEO-9 / higher EO in this range | Water-compatible detergency, wetting and O/W support | Use-dilution cleaning, rinseability and operating temperature |
| Any AEO grade | Only a formulation starting point | Active matter, homolog distribution, residuals and market documentation |
Evidence boundary: ISO 1065 cloud-point procedures apply to defined ethoxylated nonionic systems and conditions. EPA also notes that chain length, branching and EO/PO number affect aquatic toxicity and biodegradation, so environmental conclusions require grade-specific data.
Technical review: Grace Dou, alcohol-ethoxylate applications team. Reviewed 14 August 2026.
Primary references
- ISO 1065: cloud point of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants
- ISO 8022: determination of wetting power by immersion
- US EPA Safer Choice criteria for surfactants
Use the application-based AEO selection guide and compare grades through the controlled performance framework.
