Armolube^® EM 404 is a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant that delivers multifunctional performance in metalworking fluids, cleaners, automotive lubricants, marine lubricants, and fuels. The additive primarily functions as a versatile oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, demonstrating excellent hard-water resistance for long-term emulsion stability. It effectively emulsifies Group I, Group II, Group III, and naphthenic base oils. It can also maintain high stability on its own (without co-emulsifiers) in select Group I and naphthenic oils. It also exhibits high-temperature resistance, high-shear stability, and low-foaming benefits in emulsified oils.

In addition to emulsification, Armolube^® EM 404 provides metalworking fluids with a wide range of properties, such as a higher total base number (TBN), friction modification, wear reduction, and wetting and dispersant performance. It is compatible and can be used in formulation with anionic co-emulsifiers and phosphate ester–based additives, including Armolube^® AW 102. It is also compatible with Triamicide/Triameen^® Y-12D, an effective biocide in metalworking fluid applications. In metal cleaners, it is a helpful emulsifier, particularly for aqueous degreasers and hard surface cleaners. Armolube^® EM 404 is ashless and readily biodegradable, making it suitable for environmentally sensitive areas.