Triethanolamine (TEA) offers a broad spectrum of application opportunities, primarily in detergents, personal care products and textile finishing. Because TEA combines the properties of amines and alcohols, TEA exhibits the unique capability of undergoing reactions common to both groups. As an amine, TEA is mildly alkaline and reactswith acids to form salts or soaps. As an alcohol, TEA is hygroscopic and can be esterfied.
TEA may be reacted with lauryl sulfate to form the foaming base surfactant used in hair shampoos.Fatty acids neutralized with TEA are excellent emulsifiers for oil-in water emulsions such as gel-type industrial hand cleaners, aerosol shave creams, and hand and body lotions.