Ethoxylated Fatty Amines are nonionic surfactants produced by the controlled reaction of long-chain fatty amines (C₁₂–C₂₂) with ethylene oxide (EO).
The resulting molecules contain a hydrophilic ethoxy chain and a hydrophobic alkyl chain, providing excellent wetting, emulsifying, and antistatic properties.

General Chemical Structure

R–NH–(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ–H

R: Saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain, typically derived from coconut oil, tallow, soybean, or rapeseed oil
n: Number of ethylene oxide units (commonly 2–20, and up to 50 in specialized grades)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Typical Value / Description
Appearance	Clear liquid to pale yellow wax (depending on alkyl chain length and EO content)
Viscosity (25°C)	Low to high (increases with higher EO content)
Density (20–25°C)	0.95 – 1.00 g/cm³
Solubility in Water	Varies with EO content — higher n = better solubility
pH (1% Solution)	7.0 – 9.5
Foaming Ability	Moderate
Surfactant Type	Nonionic

Applications

Agriculture

Emulsifier in pesticide and liquid fertilizer formulations
Penetration enhancer (wetting agent) in foliar spray applications

Oil, Gas, and Drilling

Additive for drilling fluids and well-cleaning formulations
Foam stabilizer and contact angle modifier

Industrial Cleaning

Component of metal cleaners, automotive detergents, and hard surface cleaners
Antistatic additive in textile and fabric detergents

Textile, Leather, Paint, and Plastics

Antistatic, lubricant, and wetting agent
Dispersing agent for pigments and dyes

Advantages

Excellent wetting and emulsifying power
Stable over a wide pH range (3–11) and in hard water
Compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants
Nonionic character → does not interfere with ionic or sensitive compounds
Biodegradable in suitable grades (OECD 301 compliant)

Limitations

Some grades may cause skin irritation with prolonged contact
Unstable in the presence of strong oxidizing agents
Hygroscopic at high EO content (absorbs moisture)
Higher cost compared to simple anionic surfactants

Safety and Handling

Skin/Eye Contact: May cause irritation — wear protective gloves and goggles
Inhalation: No significant hazard under proper ventilation
Flash Point: Above 150°C
Chemical Compatibility: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Storage Conditions: Store in polymeric or HDPE containers, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight
Environmental Stability: Biodegradable and low environmental risk at recommended concentrations

Summary

Ethoxylated Fatty Amines are versatile nonionic surfactants offering excellent wetting, emulsifying, and antistatic performance across a wide range of industrial and agricultural formulations.
Their broad compatibility, chemical stability, and biodegradability make them ideal for use in cleaning agents, emulsifiers, drilling fluids, textile aids, and crop protection formulations.