ALESSIA BACARELLI*, SIMONE JACOPO MARZOLLA, STEFANO FERRIGATO
*Corresponding author
ZSCHIMMER & SCHWARZ ITALIANA
Via Ariotto 1/C 13038 Tricerro, VC, Italy

Abstract

Fatty Alcohol Sulfates (FAS) of vegetable origin are generally recognized as being more eco-friendly surfactants than LAS. However one drawback of FAS, that has limited their larger use, is the high difficulty to achieve concentrated solution higher than 30 % active matter. In order to overcome this issue we have developed a non acqueous solution of MEA FAS at 60% active matter.
In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that the use of non aqueous MEA FAS allows to easily obtain both gel caps and water based superconcentrated liquid detergents without any dangerous exothermical reaction (thus reducing production cycles with energy saving), whose cleaning performances are comparable to formulation based on the more traditional MEA DDB at different washing conditions.

INTRODUCTION

In a market that is moving more and more towards high concentrated detergents, the limitation imposed by diluted solution of FAS is even more limiting their use; therefore our strategy has been to look for technical solutions to overcome the current limits, and we have developed a non aqueous solution of MEA FAS at 60% active matter, directly produced in our sulphation plant by continuous neutralization of the acid form of fatty alcohol with the stoichiometric quantity of MEA diluted in MPG.
This innovative raw material finds its best application in final products that are fast growing in the detergent market:

• Non Aqueous Gel caps
• Superconcentrated liquid detergents

These products are well accepted from the final consumers both for their limited environmental impact (less plastic used for the packaging, reduced production of CO2), and for their ease use.

PRODUCT FOCUS

• High concentrated Lauryl Sulfate
• Ready to use product (No exothermic reaction needed, No cooling cycle needed)
• Greener alternative compared to MEA – DB ...
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