From C12–14 Alkyldimethylamine to Amine Oxide for Hand Dishwashing Liquids

China Amines Co., Limited

A sink full of bubbles is easy to spot. The film left on a plate takes a closer look. When a formulation team evaluates a surfactant for hand dishwashing liquid, foam persistence and grease removal are two separate measurements. The distinction starts upstream, where a chemical manufacturer converts a tertiary amine feedstock into an amine oxide.

Where the tertiary amine fits

C12–14 alkyldimethylamine is a fatty tertiary amine intermediate. Eastman’s technical literature lists its DIMLA™ 1214 grade as a feedstock for amine oxide production and identifies dish detergents as one downstream application area. In that supply chain, the derivative manufacturer purchases the tertiary amine. The detergent formulator evaluates the resulting amine oxide as a surfactant ingredient in the finished blend.

Compare amine oxides on an equal active basis

Suppose a formulator receives two aqueous amine oxide samples with different active contents. Adding the same weight of each sample would introduce different amounts of surfactant. For an illustrative comparison, 10 g of a 30% active sample contributes 3 g of active material. A 35% active sample delivers the same amount at about 8.6 g. Adjust the added water so the two test blends have the same final mass.

Once the samples are on an equal active basis, keep the rest of the formulation and the wash conditions consistent. Use the same water hardness, temperature and oil load. Record foam persistence and grease removal separately so you can see which result actually changed. A tall stack of bubbles makes a good photo. The plate still gets its own score.

Discuss feedstock requirements with China Amines

If you manufacture amine oxides and are sourcing C12–14 alkyldimethylamine, send China Amines your target feedstock specification, trial quantity, estimated monthly demand and destination. Include any required C12/C14 distribution so the offered grade can be reviewed against your process requirements.

Technical references

• Eastman — DIMLA™ 1214 product information
• Eastman — Application guide for household care products and janitorial cleaners