Problems with AES heating
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We produce shampoos, and recently we manufactured a batch with very low viscosity. Our management concluded that the high heating temperature used during production caused the activity of AES to decrease. What is approximately the heat resistance temperature of AES? We heated it to 110 degrees and kept that temperature for almost 3 hours during production. Additionally, if the above reason is correct, what changes will occur in the final shampooing performance and the total solids content of the product? And what impact will adding more AES to adjust the viscosity have on the quality of the product?
It is said that AES can withstand high temperatures of over 200 degrees; under the operating conditions you mentioned, with 110 degrees for three hours, the likelihood of AES decomposing is low. If it is not decomposed, its activity is unlikely to be affected. Furthermore, AES contains ethoxy groups, which means it possesses both anionic and non-ionic properties; if the temperature is too high, its water solubility decreases, and this may manifest as layering or a thinning of the paste. But generally speaking, once the temperature returns to normal, as long as mixing is thorough, it will return to its original state. The problem you are facing might be due to excessively high temperatures, which affect the changes in other components within the product – such as other surfactants, thickeners, etc. – thereby impacting the compatibility among all the ingredients of the product! For a mature and stable product, when problems arise for unknown reasons, it is not advisable to simply resolve them by adding a certain ingredient; such an approach carries significant risks and potential hazards. At least, one should conduct experiments and observe for a while before making a decision. I think you can cool it down, take a small amount of the product, stir it vigorously, let it sit for some time, and then observe the results. If possible, it’s best to measure relevant parameters; based on those results, assess the risks before deciding what to do next!
For AES, the ratio needs to be taken into consideration; it can also be adjusted. If it’s too high, the activity of the active ingredients will decrease, and coking will occur. 110 degrees is too high; I’m a professional in the production of AES