Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-20 is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, with the INCI name PEG-20 Castor Oil, CAS number 61791-12-6. This product appears as a light yellow to yellow viscous liquid, possessing excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, and exhibits high stability towards acids, alkalis, and hard water. Its molecular weight is approximately 1500-2000, and its chemical structure endows it with excellent compatibility, making it widely applicable in multiple industrial fields such as textiles, agrochemicals, daily chemicals, and metalworking.
From the technical specifications, EL-20 has a moderate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value (HLB value about 10.5), making it particularly suitable as an O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier, effectively stabilizing emulsion systems of mineral oils and animal and vegetable oils. This product has a high active content (≥99%), low moisture content (≤0.5%), and exhibits low foam and strong penetrability (penetration time about 50 seconds for a 1% aqueous solution) in practical applications, which helps improve efficiency in textile dyeing leveling and industrial cleaning processes.
In terms of physical property parameters, the density of EL-20 is 1.05~1.10 g/cm³, kinematic viscosity at 25°C is about 700 mm²/s (low shear viscosity about 800 mPa·s), refractive index (20°C) is 1.471-1.475. The pH value of its 1% aqueous solution is in the neutral range of 5.0-7.0, indicating its mild nature. The cloud point is typically ≥85°C, and the flash point is above 200°C, classifying it as a non-hazardous product with high thermal stability and operational safety. Notably, this product has a low pour point (melting point below 0°C) and remains liquid at low temperatures, making it convenient for winter use.
| Parameter | Technical Indicator | Parameter | Technical Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene (20) Ether | CAS Number | 61791-12-6 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic | Appearance | Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid |
| HLB Value | 10.5 | Cloud Point (1% aq.) | ≥85 °C |
| Active Content | ≥99% | pH Value (1%, 25°C) | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| Density (25°C) | 1.05 ~ 1.10 g/cm³ | Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | ~700 mm²/s |
| Surface Tension (1% aq., 25°C) | ~42 mN/m | Critical Micelle Concentration | ~0.01% (25°C) |
| Hydroxyl Value | 60 - 80 mgKOH/g | Saponification Value | 55 - 65 mgKOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 25 - 35 gI₂/100g | Acid Value | ≤0.5 mgKOH/g |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.471 - 1.475 | Flash Point | >200 °C |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% | Foam Characteristics | Low Foam |
| Penetrability (1% aq.) | ~50 seconds | Solubility | Soluble in water, easily soluble in ethanol, ether |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤10 ppm | Arsenic Content | ≤2 ppm |
Based on its HLB value of 10.5 and excellent emulsification stability, EL-20 is particularly suitable for systems requiring O/W emulsification. In practical industrial formulations, it is recommended as a general-purpose emulsifier and solubilizer: