Ceteareth-25
Pharcos C 25
Also known as: PEG-25 Cetostearyl Ether | Polyoxyethylene 25 Cetostearyl Ether
Pharcos C 25 is a highly ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant. In personal care, it is the primary structuring agent utilized globally to create clear, stiff styling and edge-control gels. Transitioning to the detergent and chemical industries, its hard, crystalline structure makes it a crucial binder and solubilizer for solid extrusion products, such as toilet rim blocks.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Emulsifiers
- Grade:
- Flakes / Powder
- CAS Number:
- 68439-49-6
Key Applications
- Edge Control Gels
- Toilet Rim Blocks
- Wax Emulsions
- Rheology Modifier
How It Works
Ceteareth-25 (HLB ~16.0) operates via two massive structural regimes.
In aqueous systems (like hair gels at >15% concentration), the molecules self-assemble into closely packed cylindrical or spherical micelles that 'jam' together, creating a rigid, transparent micro-emulsion network capable of holding hair firmly in place.
In solid continuous formats (like toilet rim blocks), the un-hydrated flakes are extruded with other detergents. Once installed in the toilet bowl, the C-25 acts as a highly controlled solubilizer. Because it is a hard solid that dissolves slowly and continuously over hundreds of flushes, it regulates the slow release of the active cleaning surfactants and dyes into the water.
Technical Information
Common questions about Ceteareth-25
The extra ethoxylation (25 moles vs 20 moles) drastically alters the packing geometry of the micelles. C-25 forms significantly stiffer, more optically transparent gels, whereas C-20 tends to form softer, opaque, or hazy pastes.
It is a highly crystalline material, traditionally supplied as small waxy flakes or micro-pellets to facilitate rapid melting and mixing.
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