Description
CDEA stands for Cocamide Diethanolamine or Cocodiethanolamide, a versatile ingredient derived from coconut oil and diethanolamine. It’s widely used in personal care, household, and industrial products.
Chemical & Physical Properties
| Property | Specification / Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Cocamide DEA |
| INCI Name | Cocamide DEA |
| CAS Number | 68603-42-9 |
| Chemical Nature | Nonionic surfactant / foam booster |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid or semi-solid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic fatty odor |
| Active Matter | ~85–90% |
| pH (10% solution) | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Solubility | Dispersible in water; soluble in alcohol |
| Specific Gravity @ 25°C | 0.95 – 1.00 |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | High (varies with grade and temperature) |
| Ionic Nature | Nonionic |
| Cloud Point | Not applicable (nonionic surfactant) |
| Flash Point | >200 °C |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong acids |
| Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable |
| Functionality | Foam booster, viscosity enhancer, emulsifier |
Uses
Personal Care Industry
In personal care formulations such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and shaving creams, CDEA is primarily used as a foam booster and viscosity enhancer. It increases the richness and stability of lather, giving products a creamy and luxurious feel that consumers associate with effective cleansing.
CDEA also helps thicken liquid formulations without the need for excessive salt or additional thickeners, making products easier to apply and improving shelf stability. In shaving creams and cleansers, it contributes to emulsion stabilization, ensuring uniform texture and preventing phase separation during storage.
Household Cleaning Industry
In dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and surface cleaners, CDEA plays an important role in foam stabilization and grease removal. It works synergistically with anionic surfactants to maintain stable foam even in the presence of oils, fats, and hard water.
By enhancing emulsification, CDEA helps break down and suspend oily dirt, allowing it to be rinsed away more effectively. This improves overall cleaning efficiency while maintaining a pleasant user experience through consistent foam and texture.
Industrial Cleaning Applications
In degreasers, car wash detergents, and foaming floor cleaners, CDEA is valued for its ability to boost cleaning strength in heavy-duty formulations. Industrial soils such as oils, lubricants, and stubborn grime require surfactant systems that remain stable under harsh conditions.
CDEA improves formulation stability, supports dense foam generation for better surface contact, and enhances the emulsification of heavy grease, resulting in improved cleaning performance without compromising product stability.
Textile & Leather Industry
In textile and leather processing, CDEA is used in cleaning, dyeing, and finishing agents. It helps remove natural oils, waxes, and processing residues from fibers and hides, ensuring uniform dye penetration and consistent finishing results.
Its emulsifying properties assist in dispersing dyes and chemicals evenly, improving fabric quality, color uniformity, and softness. Additionally, CDEA contributes to smoother processing and improved final product appearance
Grade Comparison
| Grade / Ratio | Active Matter (%) | Free Amine (DEA) | pH (1 % sol.) | Use Case |
| CDEA‑85 (1:1) | ≥ 85 % | ≤ 5 % | 9.0–11.0 | High-performance thickener/emulsifier |
| CDEA ~77–80 % (1:1.5–1:2) | ≥ 70–77 % | Higher | ~9.5–10.5 | Cost-efficient general-purpose use |
| Lower ratio blends | 63–70 % | Could reach ≤ 130 mgKOH/g | ~9.5–10.7 | Mainly industrial, less refined formulation |
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