Cocamidopropyl Betaine 30% (Amphoteric Surfactant) - CAB CAPB

COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE 30%

CAPB 30% Active Solution

Technical grade

CAS Number: 86438-79-1

Synonyms: N-(carboxy methyl)-N, N-Dimethyl-3-[(1-Oxococonut) amino]-1-Propanaminium Hydroxide, Inner Salt, Coco betaine, CAPB, CAB

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It is a zwitterionic compound, which means it carries both a positive and negative charge depending on the pH of the solution. CAPB is known for its mildness and versatility, making it a popular ingredient in personal care and household products.

Key Properties:

• Chemical Structure: It is a derivative of cocamide (from coconut oil) combined with betaine, a naturally occurring compound.
• Physical Form: It is typically a clear to pale yellow transparent liquid.
• Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₃₈N₂O₃.
• Surfactant Type: Amphoteric, which means it can behave as both an anionic or cationic surfactant depending on the pH of the solution.

Common Uses:

1. Personal Care Products:

   • Shampoos and conditioners: CAPB is used for its ability to create foam and its mild cleansing action. It helps to reduce the harshness of other surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
   • Body washes and liquid soaps: It provides a gentle cleansing effect and helps to thicken the product while improving foam quality.
   • Facial cleansers: Because of its mildness, CAPB is suitable for sensitive skin, providing gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

2. Household Cleaning Products:

   • Dishwashing liquids: CAPB contributes to foaming and grease-cutting properties, making it effective in cleaning while being gentler on the skin.
   • Laundry detergents: It enhances the mildness of the detergent and improves the overall texture of the formula.

3. Baby Products:

   • CAPB is often included in formulations for baby shampoos, body washes, and wipes due to its mild nature and low potential for irritation.

Benefits:

• Mild on skin and hair: CAPB is less likely to cause irritation compared to harsher surfactants, making it ideal for sensitive skin or delicate formulations like baby products.
• Foam booster: It enhances the foam created by other surfactants.
• Thickening agent: In formulations, it helps to thicken liquids, improving the product texture.

It is compatible with other cationic, anionic, and non-ionic surfactants.

Industrial applications:

Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is used in industrial cleaning products primarily for its ability to provide effective cleaning while being relatively mild on surfaces and skin. In industrial formulations, CAPB plays several roles, making it a versatile ingredient in various types of cleaning products. Here are the primary uses of CAPB in industrial cleaning:

1. Surface Cleaners:

• Multi-surface Cleaners: CAPB is used in industrial and commercial surface cleaners for cleaning floors, walls, countertops, and other hard surfaces. Its mild nature makes it suitable for delicate surfaces like plastics, glass, and metals, where harsh surfactants could cause damage or leave residues.
• Degreasers: In industrial degreasing formulations, CAPB works to break down oils and grease while being gentler than other more aggressive surfactants. It can help in cleaning machinery, tools, or equipment coated with oil, without causing corrosion or deterioration of materials.

2. Heavy-duty Detergents:

• Carpet and Fabric Cleaners: CAPB is used in carpet cleaning solutions and fabric stain removers due to its effective yet gentle cleaning power. It helps remove dirt, oils, and stains without damaging fabric fibers or causing irritation to users.
• Laundry Detergents: In industrial laundry products (used in hotels, hospitals, etc.), CAPB helps enhance foam, stabilize formulas, and improve the softness of fabrics. Its amphoteric nature makes it a good companion to other anionic and nonionic surfactants, balancing the harshness of stronger ingredients.

3. Foam Boosters in Industrial Cleaners:

• Foam Generators: CAPB acts as a foam booster in industrial cleaning products like foam sprays used for cleaning large surfaces or objects (such as vehicles, buildings, or food-processing equipment). In high-foam cleaners, it increases the volume and stability of foam, allowing longer contact time for the cleaner to work on stubborn grime and dirt.
• Car Wash Products: In formulations for automatic car wash systems or hand-wash solutions, CAPB is used for its excellent foam generation, which helps lift dirt and grime off vehicles while being gentle on the paint and other surfaces.

4. Metal and Equipment Cleaners:

• Industrial Equipment Cleaners: CAPB’s mild nature, combined with its effective emulsification properties, makes it useful in cleaning sensitive equipment, including electronics or medical devices, where a gentle but effective cleaner is needed to avoid damage.
• Rust Prevention: CAPB is sometimes included in formulations for metal cleaners because it is less likely to cause corrosion compared to harsher surfactants. Its ability to work in various pH environments also makes it versatile for formulations meant for cleaning different metals.

5. Solvent and Emulsifier in Industrial Formulations:

• Emulsification: In formulations where oil and water-based components need to be mixed (such as industrial cleaners or degreasers), CAPB helps stabilize emulsions, allowing oils and water to stay mixed and enhancing the overall cleaning performance.
• Solvent Compatibility: CAPB works well in conjunction with both water-based and solvent-based cleaning products, making it a suitable choice for diverse industrial applications.

6. Mildness for Sensitive Applications:

• Food-processing Equipment Cleaners: CAPB’s low irritancy and mildness make it a preferred ingredient in cleaners for food-processing plants, where gentle cleaning is required to avoid contaminating food products or damaging sensitive equipment.
• Hand Cleaners for Industrial Use: CAPB is used in hand cleaners and hand soaps designed for industrial environments (e.g., workshops, factories) where frequent hand washing is required. Its mildness prevents skin irritation, making it safer for repeated use compared to harsher surfactants.

Benefits of CAPB in Industrial Cleaning:

• Mild but effective: CAPB provides a good balance of cleaning strength while minimizing the risk of surface damage or irritation.
• Foam stability: It contributes to long-lasting foam, which is important in products where foam is needed for effective cleaning.
• Surface compatibility: CAPB can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including plastics, metals, and sensitive materials.
• Versatility in pH: CAPB remains effective in both acidic and alkaline environments, making it suitable for a broad range of cleaning applications.