Agricultural Emulsifier 600 has distinctive applications in fields such as pesticides, textiles, and cleaning, but the product database does not have a unified "recommended dosage" value. The specific dosage needs to be determined through experiments based on the application scenario, formulation system, and process requirements.
Detailed Description
Agricultural Emulsifier 600 (tristyrylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) is a high-purity (active content ≥99%) nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 13.5, good water solubility, and emulsifying and dispersing capabilities for various oil phases and solvents. Its applications cover multiple fields from pesticide formulations to industrial auxiliaries, with significant differences in usage methods and recommended dosages across different application scenarios. The following sections provide detailed explanations by field.
As a nonionic surfactant, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 can be flexibly compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants. This "synergistic enhancement" characteristic is very important in practical formulations. Typically, it can be used alone as the main emulsifier or as a co-emulsifier in combination with other surfactants to adjust the droplet size, stability, and fluidity of the emulsion. The specific addition ratio depends on the type of oil phase being emulsified, the properties of the technical material, the formulation type, and the process conditions (such as temperature and shear method).
Before use, since the viscosity of this product increases at low temperatures and may even become difficult to flow, it is recommended to preheat the product to 25~35°C during operation or place it in a warm environment to warm up for easy pouring and accurate measurement. At the same time, considering that the benzene ring and ethoxy chain in its structure may oxidize under high temperature or strong light, prolonged heating at excessively high temperatures (e.g., over 60°C) should be avoided, and the product should be stored and used in a light-proof, well-ventilated area.
Application Recommendations
The following provides general usage guidance and reference dosage ranges for different application fields, but the most reliable dosage still needs to be determined through formulation experiments:
- Pesticide Emulsifier (emulsifiable concentrate, emulsion in water, microemulsion): As the main emulsifier, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 is often compounded with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., Agricultural Emulsifier 500#). In emulsifiable concentrate formulations, the dosage of Agricultural Emulsifier 600 generally accounts for 5%~15% of the total formulation weight, depending on the type of technical material and solvent system. In water-based formulations such as emulsions in water and microemulsions, the dosage may be higher, typically 8%~18%, to ensure that the highly hydrophilic oil phase is fully emulsified to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion. Usage method: Mix Agricultural Emulsifier 600 with the technical material and solvent uniformly to form an oil phase, then slowly add the oil phase to the water phase (or vice versa) under high-speed shear, and continue shearing until an emulsion with the desired droplet size is obtained.
- Textile Dyeing and Printing Auxiliaries: As a component of leveling agents and penetrants, Agricultural Emulsifier 600 is used at relatively low concentrations in the dye bath. When used as a leveling agent for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing of polyester, the dosage is typically 0.5~2 g\/L (relative to the dye bath volume). When used as a component of penetrants for cotton fabric pretreatment, the effective concentration in the working solution after compounding is generally 1~3 g\/L. Usage method: Dissolve and disperse Agricultural Emulsifier 600 together with other finishing agents and surfactants in warm water, then add to the dye bath or treatment tank.
- Industrial Cleaning Agents (e.g., metal degreasers): In concentrated cleaning agent formulations, the dosage of Agricultural Emulsifier 600 is typically 5%~15%, often compounded with alkaline additives (e.g., sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate), chelating agents, and other surfactants. When used, dilute the concentrate with water to a working concentration of 2%~5%, heat to 40~70°C, and perform cleaning. Its excellent emulsifying ability effectively solubilizes and disperses mineral oils, animal and vegetable fats.
- Metalworking Fluids (cutting fluids, grinding fluids): As an emulsifying component, the dosage of Agricultural Emulsifier 600 in the concentrate formulation accounts for 10%~20%, compounded with base oil, rust inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, and biocides. The final working fluid is obtained by diluting the concentrate with water to 3%~10% for use. Its role is to form a stable microemulsion or translucent emulsion with the oily components, providing lubrication and cooling performance.
Technical Parameters
The following are the key technical indicators of Agricultural Emulsifier 600 (data source: Guoli Chemical Database), which help predict its usage performance:
| Parameter Item | Specification\/Value |
|---|
| Ion Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brownish-yellow viscous liquid |
| Active Content | ≥99.0% |
| HLB Value | 13.5 |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | ≥90°C |
| Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution, 25°C) | 30~35 mN\/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approximately 1×10⁻⁴ mol\/L |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Acid and Alkali Stability | Alkali-resistant, stable over a wide pH range |
| Density (25°C) | 1.08~1.12 g\/cm³ |
Precautions
- Safety Protection: Chemical safety goggles and protective gloves must be worn during operation to avoid skin and eye contact. This product is classified by GHS as Skin Irritant Category 2 and Serious Eye Damage\/Eye Irritation Category 2A.
- Ventilation Environment: This product contains a small amount of low molecular weight components, which may produce irritating vapors during heating or spraying operations. Ensure good ventilation in the operating environment, and wear respiratory protective equipment if necessary.
- Pre-experiment Confirmation: All the above dosages are reference ranges. In actual formulations, due to differences in technical materials, solvents, water quality, and other additives, the emulsification effect may vary. The optimal dosage must be gradually verified and determined through small-scale and pilot experiments.
- Mixing Order: When preparing emulsions, pay attention to the addition order of the oil phase and water phase, as well as the shearing process (e.g., high-speed homogenization, high-speed stirring), as this is crucial for the final emulsion droplet size and stability.
- Environmental Management: This product is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Waste liquid and rinsing water containing this product must not be discharged into sewers or surface waters; they should be collected and disposed of according to regulations.
- Storage Protection: It is recommended to control the storage temperature between 5~35°C. Immediately seal the container after use to prevent moisture absorption and contamination by impurities. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
