Ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride

Ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS 68783-78-8), also marketed as Armosoft M, is a dialkyl quaternary ammonium compound derived from tallow fatty acids. It functions as a cationic surfactant, delivering softening and antistatic effects.

This chemical provides conditioning benefits across a range of industrial and consumer applications. In textile processing, it is applied as a fabric softener and antistatic agent to reduce fiber friction.

It improves handle in both rinse-cycle and industrial finishing formulations. Personal care manufacturers incorporate it into hair conditioners and rinse-off treatments where it adsorbs onto negatively charged hair surfaces.

This adsorption helps to deliver detangling and softness to the hair. In water treatment, it acts as a flocculant aid and biocidal additive, helping to destabilize suspended solids in various systems.

It is also used to control microbial growth in industrial effluent systems. Leather and paper processors use it as a surface modifier to improve flexibility, water repellency, and substrate uniformity during finishing.

Ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride is supplied as a paste or liquid dispersion, typically at active matter concentrations of 50–75%. Technical and industrial grades are the standard market offering for buyers.

Specifications vary by active content and tallow source, whether hydrogenated or non-hydrogenated. This affects the color and odor profile, which are relevant factors to consider during the end-use selection process.