Triethanolamine (TEA)

Description

1. Product Overview
Triethanolamine (TEA) is a versatile organic compound widely used as a surfactant, emulsifier, pH balancer, and chemical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. It plays a critical role in formulations requiring stability, corrosion inhibition, and efficient blending of oil and water phases. Its key value proposition lies in its multifunctionality—reducing the need for multiple additives while enhancing formulation performance. Strategically, TEA is essential in industries such as personal care, construction, agrochemicals, and metal processing due to its cost-efficiency and formulation flexibility. Its global demand is driven by its reliability, scalability, and compatibility with modern industrial processes.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Triethanolamine (C₆H₁₅NO₃), tertiary amine with three hydroxyl groups
• Purity Level / Grade: Typically ≥ 99% (Industrial Grade / Cosmetic Grade available)
• Physical Form: Viscous liquid
• Color: Colorless to pale yellow
• Odor: Mild ammonia-like odor
• Density: ~1.12–1.13 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Solubility: Fully miscible with water and alcohols
• pH (1% solution): Approx. 10–11
• Packaging Options:
  • 200–250 kg HDPE drums
  • 1,000 kg IBC tanks
  • Bulk ISO tanks for large-scale buyers
• Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions (cool, dry, sealed environment)

3. Core Industrial Applications
Triethanolamine is extensively used across diverse industries due to its multifunctional chemical properties:

• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Acts as an emulsifier and pH adjuster in creams, lotions, shampoos, and soaps, ensuring stable formulations and smooth texture.
• Construction (Cement & Concrete): Functions as a grinding aid and performance enhancer in cement production, improving milling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
• Metalworking Fluids: Serves as a corrosion inhibitor and neutralizing agent, extending equipment life and improving machining efficiency.
• Agrochemicals: Used as an intermediate and emulsifier in pesticide and herbicide formulations for better dispersion and effectiveness.
• Textiles & Detergents: Enhances cleaning performance and formulation stability in industrial cleaners and fabric processing agents.

Compared to alternatives, TEA offers superior formulation stability, reduced additive complexity, and cost optimization through multifunctional performance.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Manufactured under strict quality control to ensure batch-to-batch uniformity
• Supply Reliability: Strong global sourcing network with stable production capacity
• Logistics Capability: Flexible packaging and bulk shipping options to support international trade
• Price Competitiveness: Optimized supply chain enabling cost-effective procurement at scale
• Sustainability: Efficient chemical with low volatility and long shelf life, reducing waste and handling risks
• Technical Support: Comprehensive documentation (COA, MSDS, TDS) and formulation guidance available

This positions Triethanolamine as a strategic, high-value input for industrial buyers seeking performance and reliability.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT
• Loading Capacity:
  • ~20–22 MT per 20-ft container (drums)
  • ~24–25 MT per ISO tank container