Main components of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20?

The main component of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20 is the condensation product of castor oil and ethylene oxide (EO), i.e., polyoxyethylene (20) castor oil, with active content ≥99%.

Detailed Explanation

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20 is a nonionic surfactant produced by the ethoxylation reaction of natural castor oil (Castor Oil) as the starting material with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide (Ethylene Oxide, EO) under the action of a catalyst. Its INCI name is PEG-20 Castor Oil, and its CAS number is 61791-12-6.

From a chemical composition perspective, the main structure of castor oil is the triglyceride of ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid, accounting for about 85-90% of the total fatty acids), which contains ester groups, hydroxyl groups, and unsaturated double bonds in the molecule. After ethoxylation, the ethylene oxide chains are mainly grafted at the hydroxyl positions on the ricinoleic acid chains, forming hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (PEO) side chains. Its molecular formula can be expressed as C₅₇H₁₀₄O₉·(C₂H₄O)_n, where n≈20, and the average molecular weight range is approximately 1500-2000.

According to the quality inspection data from the Guoli Chemical product database, the effective content (solid content) of this product is ≥99%, free alcohol content ≤2%, and moisture ≤0.5%, making it a high-purity nonionic surfactant. The product appearance is a light yellow to yellow viscous liquid, chemically classified as a nonionic surfactant with stable chemical properties.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

Due to EL-20 possessing both the lipophilicity of the castor oil group and the hydrophilicity of the polyoxyethylene chain, its HLB value is 10.5, making it a typical O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier, especially suitable for emulsifying mineral oils, animal and vegetable oils. It performs prominently in the following fields:

• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as an emulsifier and solubilizer for creams, lotions, and makeup removing oils, providing a mild skin feel and good compatibility.
• Textile Dyeing and Finishing: As an efficient leveling agent and softener, improving dye penetration and fabric hand feel.
• Agrochemical Formulations: Used in preparing emulsions in water (EW) and microemulsions (ME) to enhance the spreading and stability of the pesticide solution.
• Metalworking Fluids: Functions as an emulsifier, lubricant, and rust inhibitor in cutting and grinding fluids.
• Industrial Cleaning: Exhibits excellent degreasing and anti-redeposition capabilities, suitable for hard surface cleaning and industrial degreasing.

Precautions

• This product is a non-hazardous chemical, stable in nature, non-flammable, and with no acute toxicity (rat oral LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg).
• It is slightly irritating to skin and eyes; repeated contact may cause skin degreasing and dryness. It is recommended to wear chemical protective gloves and goggles during operation.
• Storage temperature should be controlled at 5-35°C, avoiding freezing or high temperatures, and keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.
• In case of leakage, absorb with inert absorbent materials (such as sand, vermiculite) and then collect in a sealed container. Prevent entry into sewers or water bodies.