Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine is obtained from the reaction of Ethylene Oxide and Ammonia. This reaction also produces Monoethanolamine and Diethanolamine, which are also products sold by HELM. Ethanolamines are chemical compounds belonging to the group of amines and alcohols. This results in their unique property of being able to react with both groups: in the form of alcohol, ethanolamines are hygroscopic and can react to form esters, whereas in the form of amines, they are slightly alkaline and react with acids to form salts and soaps. These properties form the basis for most applications of Triethanolamine. For industrial applications, the product is used either in pure form (concentration >99%) or as mixture with Diethanolamine (usually in the concentration of 85% Triethanolamine and 15% Diethanolamine) as well as in an aequeous solution of varying concentrations. HELM markets the full range of mixtures, aequeous solutions as well as the pure product.

Examples of applications

Fields of application for Triethanolamine differ, depending on the region. It is often used as an intermediate product in the manufacture of tensides for liquid detergents and cleaning agents, as well as of dispersants and agrochemicals. In addition, it is frequently used in a mixture with Diethanolamine and/or water as a grinding aid in cement manufacturing. The product finds application as an emulsifier in many cosmetic and medical products. Other fields of applications include lubricants, paints and varnishes, textile finishing, and the printing and photographic industry.

Packaging

• Bulk in rail tank cars
• Bulk in iso tank containers
• Bulk in road tank cars
• In drums or ibc