Making Fabric Softeners with Esterquats
2024-11-04
Introduction of Esterquats
Esterquats, or dialkylester ammonium methosulfates, typically possess good surfactant and antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for use in cleaners and disinfectants.
One of the most notable features of esterquats is their amphiphilic nature. The quaternary ammonium cation provides hydrophilic properties, while the hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains impart lipophilicity. This dual nature makes them effective surfactants, allowing them to lower surface tension and facilitate the mixing of oil and water. Consequently, they are widely utilized in formulations of personal care products, detergents, and agricultural chemicals.
In addition to their surfactant properties, esterquats exhibit significant antimicrobial activity. They are commonly employed as disinfectants and preservatives due to their ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to cell lysis. This antimicrobial efficacy is particularly valuable in the healthcare sector, where they are used in antiseptic solutions and surface disinfectants to reduce the risk of infection.
Furthermore, esterquats have found applications in the textile and paper industries. They serve as softeners, enhancing the feel of fabrics and providing anti-static properties. In papermaking, they improve the retention of fibers and fillers, contributing to better paper quality.
One of the key benefits of esterquats is their non-flammable nature, enhancing safety during handling and storage. Furthermore, they exhibit low odor and a light color, making them ideal for formulations where these attributes are paramount. Due to their favorable characteristics, they are increasingly adopted in areas where traditional compounds may pose challenges regarding flammability and odor.
Shengqing's Esterquat Products
Shengqing offers two distinct types of esterquats designed to meet specific processing requirements:
| Feature | SQ-EQ 90P (Paste Type) | SQ-EQ 90L (Liquid Type) | Competitors' Esterquat |
| Form | Paste | Liquid | Liquid |
| Processing Method | Hot Process | Cold Process | Varies (commonly hot) |
| Applications | Suitable for high-temperature formulations | Suitable for low-temperature formulations | Varies; often in household products |
| Safety | Non-flammable | Non-flammable | Contains ethanol or IPA; classified as dangerous cargo |
| Odor | Low odor | Low odor | Higher odor due to solvents |
| Color | Light color | Light color | Dark color |
| Source | Synthetic/Fatty acids | Synthetic/Fatty acids | Derived from fatty acids |
| Performance | Good stability under heat | Effective in cold processing | May vary based on composition |
Comparison of Esterquats
| Feature | SQ-EQ 90P | SQ-EQ 90L | Tallow Esterquat |
| Form | Paste | Liquid | Semi-solid or liquid |
| Processing Method | Hot Process | Cold Process | Hot Process |
| Applications | High-temperature formulations | Low-temperature formulations | Household and personal care |
| Safety | Non-flammable | Non-flammable | Generally non-flammable |
| Odor | Low odor | Low odor | Mild natural odor |
| Color | Light color | Light color | Light yellow to golden |
| Source | Synthetic/Fatty acids | Synthetic/Fatty acids | Natural (animal-derived) |
| Performance | Good stability under heat | Effective in cold processing | Biodegradable, good softening |
Guiding Formula for Fabric Softeners
The following guiding formula can be utilized for creating fabric softeners, incorporating Shengqing’s esterquats:
| Phase | INCI Name | Dosage (%) | Supplier |
| A1 | D.I. Water | To 100 | |
| A2 | Dialkylester Ammonium Methosulfate | 5.0 | SQ-EQ 90P / SQ-EQ 90L |
| B1 | D.I. Water | 25.0 | |
| B2 | Cationic Acrylamide-based Polymer | 0.8 | SQ-EQ 45T |
| C1 | Fragrance | q.s. | |
| C2 | Preservative | 0.1 | SQ-DMDMH |
Conclusion
Esterquats, particularly those provided by Shengqing, offer a multitude of advantages for formulators looking to create safe, effective, and high-performance products. Choosing between SQ-EQ 90P and SQ-EQ 90L allows professionals to tailor their formulation processes to better meet the demands of specific applications. The guiding formula for fabric softeners demonstrates how these esterquats can be effectively integrated into product formulations. The comparison with competitors' esterquats and Tallow Esterquat highlights the unique features of Shengqing’s products, including their safety and color attributes, reinforcing their value in various applications. By combining these esterquats with propylene glycol, manufacturers can further enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, paving the way for innovative and sustainable product development.
Home care products are very sensitive to formula cost, please adjust the formula according to the budget as well as actives standard and viscosity requirements. ShengQing Materials also has a fabric softener thickener which is more efficient on thickening, please feel free to contact sales@sqmaterials.com for details.
