The fundamental difference lies in whether or not the molecular structure contains an ethoxylated (-CH₂CH₂O-) chain:
• APG (alkyl polysaccharide): Its molecular structure consists only of an aliphatic alkyl chain + a glucosinolate group. It is formed by the direct glycosylation of aliphatic alcohol with glucose, without any additional ether chain.
• AE-APG (alkyl ethoxylated polysaccharide): It adds a polyoxyethylene ethoxylated chain to the APG structure. It is obtained by further ethoxylation modification of APG, and its structure is "aliphatic alkyl chain + ethoxylated chain + glucosinolate group".
2. Key Performance Differences Extending from Core Differences (Summarized in One Sentence)
Because of the added ethoxy chain, AE-APG addresses APG's core shortcomings:
1. Water Solubility: APG easily gels at low temperatures and has moderate water solubility; AE-APG has significantly improved water solubility, is less prone to clumping at low temperatures, and has better flowability.
2. Electrolyte Resistance: APG has moderate salt/electrolyte resistance; AE-APG has significantly enhanced high-salt and electrolyte resistance, making it suitable for more complex formulations.
3. Applicable Scenarios: APG is suitable for simple and mild systems; AE-APG is suitable for complex scenarios such as low temperatures and high salt concentrations.
