Midland, Mich.-based The Dow Chemical Co., a diversified chemical company, has added three new
surfactants to its Ecosurf™ line. Developed for use in textile processing; inks, paints and
coatings; hard surface cleaning; and agricultural chemicals, Ecosurf EH-3, 6 and 9 Specialty
Surfactants offer performance and convenience and comply with strict environmental safety
regulations, according to the company. The surfactants also are biodegradable, have a low aquatic
toxicity and meet the US Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for the Environment Surfactant
Screen.
According to Dow, all three products offer fast dynamic surface tension reduction, and are
suitable for ultra-concentrated formulations because they are low-foaming, low-odor and have a
narrow gel range. In processing applications in particular, Dow reports it noted an improved hand
in fabrics finished using silicone softeners emulsified with Ecosurf EH surfactants when compared
to fabrics softened using other methods. The company also claims wetting and penetration times are
faster when using Ecosurf EH surfactants versus primary alcohol ethoxylates.
In other company news, effective April 1, 2009, or as contracts allow, Dow will implement a
price increase in North America for products in the Oxygenated Solvents portfolio. The company
cited continued inflation in raw material costs in announcing the increase.
March 10, 2009
