Chemal LA-4

Chemal LA-4 is primarily recommended for evaluation in wetting, detergent, and emulsification applications.

Chemal LA-4 is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, INCI name: Laureth-4. This product is based on lauryl alcohol and has the chemical description "Alcohols, C12-16, ethoxylated." Chemal LA-4 is most commonly used as an emulsifier in industrial formulations, including metalworking fluids. It can also be used in textile and cleaning applications wherever a stable emulsion needs to be formed. This chemistry is often used as a raw material for the production of phosphate esters and carboxylates. Chemal LA-4 is a clear to hazy liquid with a maximum color of 1 Gardner at 25 °C. The product is sold in 100% active form, which may become a soft paste after cooling. Gentle heat and mild mixing easily restore the material's homogeneity should this occur. Chemal LA-4 forms a hazy solution in water. This product is characterized by an HLB of 9.2 and can be blended with other nonionic, cationic, or anionic agents. Thanks to its long carbon chain and low ethylene oxide content, Chemal LA-4 also provides lubricating properties with minimal foam formation. The product shows excellent wetting properties, with a Draves wetting speed of 30 seconds.