Evaluation of Branched Alcohol Ethoxylates as a Cost-Effective Alternative to Linear Alcohol Ethoxylates for Home Care Applications

In this study, alcohol ethoxylates with hydrophobes ranging from fully linear to fully branched are evaluated to identify branched alcohol ethoxylates as a cost-effective alternative to linear alcohol ethoxylates for home care applications. The influence of the degree of branching, degree of ethoxylation, and alcohol molecular weight on the properties of alcohol ethoxylates is systematically studied, establishing correlations with their performance in various home care applications, including laundry detergency, hard surface cleaning, and hand dishwashing. The laundry detergency test is meticulously conducted using a washing machine, while hard surface cleaning performance is assessed through the Gardner-Scrub abrasion test. Hand dishwashing performance is gauged via the plate count test. In conclusion, this comprehensive exploration not only underscores the potential of branched alcohol ethoxylates as a viable alternative but also unravels the intricate relationships between their properties and effectiveness in diverse home care applications, offering valuable insights for future formulations.