Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20 (CAS No. 61791-12-6) is a nonionic surfactant produced by the condensation of natural castor oil with 20 moles of ethylene oxide (EO). Its INCI name is PEG-20 Castor Oil. The molecular structure contains both hydrophobic castor oil groups and hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains, giving it excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing abilities.
This product exhibits high stability towards acids, alkalis, and hard water. It has excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, effectively enhancing the overall stability and performance of formulations. As an O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier, EL-20 is particularly suitable for emulsifying systems of mineral oils, animal and vegetable oils, and is an indispensable key additive in many industrial formulations.
In terms of safety, this product is classified as a non-hazardous substance, with no acute toxicity (rat oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), non-flammable, and mildly irritating to skin and eyes. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation and to maintain good ventilation in the workplace.
| Item | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20 |
| CAS No. | 61791-12-6 |
| INCI Name | PEG-20 Castor Oil |
| Chemical Category | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow oily liquid or paste |
| Ion Type | Nonionic |
| Emulsification Type | O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier |
| Hazard Classification | Non-hazardous |
| Storage Temperature | 5–35°C |
Used as an efficient leveling agent, dispersant, and softener, it improves the penetration and uniform distribution of dyes on fabrics, imparting a soft and smooth feel to fibers. The recommended dosage should be adjusted according to the specific process; commonly used in pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing processes.
As a nonionic emulsifier, it can be used to formulate environmentally friendly formulations such as emulsion in water (EW) and microemulsion (ME), enhancing the dispersion stability and efficacy adhesion of active ingredients, helping to reduce the use of organic solvents, in line with the development trend of green pesticides.
Acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer, used in creams, lotions, shower gels, shampoos, etc., to help stabilize the mixture of oil and water phases, providing a mild skin feel and good compatibility. Suitable for formulations such as makeup removers and facial cleansers that require good emulsifying performance.
Combines emulsifying, lubricating, and anti-rust functions, improving cooling and lubrication performance in formulations such as cutting fluids and grinding fluids, extending tool life.
As a pigment wetting dispersant and emulsion polymerization emulsifier, it improves the fineness and storage stability of color pastes, enhancing film gloss and leveling.
Exhibits excellent emulsifying, detergency, and anti-redeposition properties, used in hard surface cleaning, fabric washing, and industrial degreasing formulations, improving oil removal efficiency while being low-foaming and easy to rinse.