What is Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40?

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 is a non-ionic surfactant (PEG-40 Castor Oil) polymerized from natural castor oil and ethylene oxide, with excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities. It is widely used in textiles, pesticides, coatings, metalworking, and daily chemicals.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40, with the chemical name Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene (40) Ether (CAS: 61791-12-6), is a non-ionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization (ethoxylation) of natural castor oil with ethylene oxide (EO). Its appearance is typically a light yellow oily liquid to a paste, varying with temperature.

As a non-ionic surfactant, the molecular structure of EL-40 contains hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and hydrophobic castor oil fatty chains, giving it a moderate HLB value. This allows it to function both as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier and in constructing complex emulsion systems. The product features hard water resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and exhibits good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic auxiliaries, making it flexible in composite formulations.

EL-40 plays key roles in various industrial fields: as a leveling agent and antistatic agent in textile dyeing and printing; as an emulsifying and dispersing agent in pesticide formulations to enhance the stability and spreading ability of the spray liquid; as a pigment wetting and dispersing agent in coatings and inks to prevent flocculation, floating, and flooding; in metalworking fluids for both emulsification and lubrication functions; and as a mild surfactant in daily chemicals for preparing creams, facial cleansers, and other products.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

• Textile Dyeing and Printing: Used as an efficient emulsifier and leveling agent to ensure uniform dye penetration and improve fiber processing feel and smoothness. It is recommended to add an appropriate amount of EL-40 to the dye bath or finishing liquid to utilize its antistatic properties to enhance fabric quality.
• Pesticide Formulations: Serves as an emulsifying dispersant to stably disperse oily active ingredients in water, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on target surfaces. Suitable for the preparation of emulsifiable concentrates, aqueous emulsions, and other formulations.
• Coatings and Inks: As a pigment wetting dispersant, significantly improving the dispersion fineness and color development of pigments and fillers, preventing flocculation, floating, and flooding, thus enhancing product storage stability.
• Metalworking Fluids: Provides both emulsification and lubrication functions in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, helping to form stable processing emulsions, reducing frictional heat, and protecting tool and workpiece surfaces.
• Daily Chemical Products: Used in the preparation of emulsifying waxes, skin care creams, facial cleansers, etc., as a mild non-ionic surfactant, imparting a soft touch to the product and reducing formulation irritation.

Precautions

This product is classified as an Irritant (GHS07 warning label). Direct contact may cause skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319). It is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). When handling, wear chemical safety gloves, protective goggles or face shield, and appropriate work clothing. In case of contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Do not discharge untreated product directly into water bodies or municipal sewers.

Storage conditions: Recommended storage temperature between 5°C and 35°C. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, keep the container tightly sealed, and away from ignition sources, heat, and strong oxidizers.