Heliwet FA 35/12
What is Heliwet FA 35/12?
Heliwet FA 35/12 is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the group of alcohol ethoxylates, based on C13–C15 fatty alcohol with an average of 12 moles of ethylene oxide (EO).
Thanks to this composition, Heliwet FA 35/12 has an HLB value of approximately 14, meaning it is highly hydrophilic and particularly suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) systems and high-performance cleaning formulations.
Heliwet FA 35/12 is widely used in:
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Industrial cleaning products
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Professional degreasers
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Alkaline detergents
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Process cleaning
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Technical emulsions
Due to its non-ionic nature, Heliwet FA 35/12 is compatible with both anionic and cationic surfactants and performs consistently across a wide range of pH conditions.
Packaging
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
CAS
64425-86-1
INCI-name
Application
Technical
How is Heliwet FA 35/12 produced?
Heliwet FA 35/12 is produced via controlled ethoxylation of C13–C15 fatty alcohols with an average of 12 moles of ethylene oxide.
During this process:
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The fatty alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure
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The number of EO units is precisely controlled
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A non-ionic surfactant with high water solubility is formed
The ethoxylation process is carried out in Europe under strict safety and quality standards, with focus on:
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Consistent batch quality
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Reduction of residual monomers
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Traceability of raw materials
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REACH compliance of substances used
How does Heliwet FA 35/12 work in a formulation?
Heliwet FA 35/12 primarily functions as a cleaning and emulsifying surfactant in aqueous systems.
1. Reduction of surface tension
The molecule positions itself between oil and water, reducing surface tension. This allows water to better penetrate contamination.
Example:
In an industrial floor cleaner, Heliwet FA 35/12 helps to remove dried oil more effectively from concrete surfaces.
2. Emulsification of oil in water
With an HLB of 14, Heliwet FA 35/12 is highly suitable for oil-in-water emulsions. It ensures that fats and oils remain stably dispersed in the aqueous phase.
Example:
In an alkaline degreaser, it prevents removed oil from redepositing on the surface.
3. Stability in hard water
Non-ionic surfactants such as Heliwet FA 35/12 are less sensitive to water hardness than many anionic alternatives. This makes the product suitable for industrial applications with varying water quality.
In which industries is Heliwet FA 35/12 used?
Heliwet FA 35/12 is primarily selected when high cleaning performance needs to be combined with good water solubility.
Industrial cleaning
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Heavy-duty degreasers
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CIP cleaning (clean-in-place)
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Metal cleaning
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Workshop cleaners
Detergents
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Liquid detergents
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Concentrated cleaning formulations
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Alkaline cleaning products
Technical applications
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Process cleaning in production environments
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Water-based degreasers
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Emulsion-based technical systems
Besides Heliwet 35/12, we have other products in our range. Check it out on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Heliwet FA 35/12
1. What are the benefits of Heliwet FA 35/12?
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High cleaning performance
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Strongly hydrophilic (HLB ~14)
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Good water solubility
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Compatible with other surfactant types
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Stable across a wide pH range
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Less sensitive to water hardness
This makes the product suitable for both heavy industrial and professional applications.
2. What are the considerations when using Heliwet FA 35/12?
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It is an ethoxylate (may be less suitable for fully “ethoxylate-free” positioning)
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Not intended for fully water-free systems
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Dosage should be adjusted based on soil level and formulation
For strongly “green” or COSMOS-oriented positioning, ethoxylate-free alternatives may be preferred.
3. What is the difference between Heliwet FA 35/12 and other alcohol ethoxylates?
The differences lie in:
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The fatty alcohol chain length (C13–C15)
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The number of EO units (12 mol)
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The resulting HLB value
A lower EO number makes a surfactant more lipophilic; a higher EO number makes it more hydrophilic.
With 12 EO units, Heliwet FA 35/12 is positioned on the hydrophilic side and is particularly suitable for high-performance oil-in-water cleaning systems.
4. Is Heliwet FA 35/12 suitable for cosmetic applications?
Heliwet FA 35/12 is primarily positioned for technical and industrial applications. For cosmetic use, a variant with an INCI name and appropriate cosmetic documentation is required.
Chempri: your partner in Heliwet FA 35/12
Chempri supplies Heliwet FA 35/12 from Europe with a focus on:
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Reliable deliveries
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Consistent quality
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Technical support
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Flexible batch sizes
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Product documentation and specifications
At Chempri, we specialize in the production and supply of high-quality oleochemicals and their derivatives, including Heliwet FA 35/12. Our products are manufactured in our modern production facility and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of our customers.
Do you have any questions or would you like to place an order directly?
Contact our sales team for more information.
