It is understood that triethanolamine is a colorless, transparent and viscous liquid at room temperature, with a slight ammonia smell. It is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture and carbon dioxide in the air. Can be freely mixed with water and alcohol, soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in benzene and ether. The pH of 0.1moI/L solution is 10.5. There is a danger of burning when exposed to high heat, open flame or contact with oxidants. Its aqueous solution is corrosive.
The applications and functions of triethanolamine in the daily chemical industry are as follows:
It is commonly used to prepare alkyl alcohol amides, also known as ninal. The preparation method mainly uses triethanolamine and fatty acids in a certain molar ratio. In washing products, fatty acid amide is an important foam stabilizer and an excellent detergent builder with strong oil removal, thickening and antistatic properties. Easily soluble in water, commonly used in liquid and viscous liquid detergent products. Lauric acid alcohol amide has the best performance in stabilizing foam and can prevent most pearlescent agents, emollient oils, soaps and high-end products from damaging the foam.
In the cosmetics industry, the paste prepared by neutralizing triethanolamine and stearic acid can be used to prepare cream products. The product is not only soft and delicate, but also has a pearlescent phenomenon. The cream made of triethanolamine and pure palmitic acid is more likely to produce pearlescence than the product made of stearic acid. Especially when a small amount of alcohol is added, the solubility of the dispersed phase is increased, making the pearlescence more obvious.
Amine soap made from triethanolamine and fatty acids has emollient properties and is often used in moisturizers. In mascara products, saponified products are often made from triethanolamine and stearic acid, with wax as the main component, plus pigments and a small amount of antioxidants and other auxiliary materials. The product has a fine, soft texture and moderate hardness. It is not only easy to draw, but also does not irritate the skin and is easy to clean.