Trideceth (3-12)
Pharcos TDA
Also known as: TDA Ethoxylates | Polyoxyethylene Tridecyl Ether | Branched Alcohol Ethoxylate
Pharcos TDA represents a series of surfactants produced by ethoxylating Branched Tridecyl Alcohol with varying moles of Ethylene Oxide (typically from 3 to 12 EO). Unlike standard lauryl (C12) ethoxylates which use linear chains, the tridecyl (C13) chain is heavily 'branched' (like the roots of a tree). This structural branching gives TDA ethoxylates phenomenally rapid wetting speeds and superior degreasing power. They are the workhorses of industrial mechanic shop cleaners, textile scouring baths, and agricultural herbicide sprays.
Quick Information
- Product Line:
- Personal Care
- Category:
- Surfactants
- Grade:
- Liquid / Paste
- CAS Number:
- 24938-91-8
Key Applications
- Industrial Hard Surface Cleaning
- Heavy Soil Degreaser
- Textile Scouring Agent
- Agricultural Wetting Adjuvant
How It Works
Branched tails prevent dense packing, increasing speed.
In linear surfactants, the straight tails pack tightly together when they try to coat a surface. The highly branched C13 tail of the TDA molecule creates massive steric hindrance (they bump into each other). Because they can't pack tightly, these molecules race incredibly fast across the liquid-solid interface (rapid wetting). Once they hit grease or machine oil, the branched roots plunge in, rapidly emulsifying the soil into the water phase far faster than linear alcohol ethoxylates.
Technical Information
Common questions about Trideceth (3-12)
Speed and foam profile. TDA wets out surfaces significantly faster than Laureths, making it better for spray-and-wipe industrial cleaners. TDA also generally produces a somewhat lower, less stable foam profile than linear Laureths, which is beneficial in high-pressure industrial washing equipment.
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