Question

What are the main characteristics of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-40

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 is a nonionic surfactant derived from natural castor oil, characterized by excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing properties and wide compatibility.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 (PEG-40 Castor Oil) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylation of natural castor oil, with CAS number 61791-12-6. Its molecular structure contains hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic castor oil fatty acid groups, endowing the product with outstanding amphiphilic properties, effectively reducing oil/water interfacial tension and providing efficient emulsification and dispersion in various systems.

The product appears as a light yellow oily liquid to paste, with a moderate HLB value, suitable as a typical oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier for emulsifying mineral oils, animal and vegetable oils, and various organic substances. Additionally, it exhibits excellent chemical stability — resistant to hard water, acids, and alkalis, maintaining stable performance over a wide pH and temperature range.

This product shows good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, allowing flexible compounding. In textile dyeing and finishing, it provides leveling and antistatic functions; in pesticide formulations, it enhances the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid; in coatings and inks, it prevents pigment flocculation; in metalworking fluids, it offers both emulsification and lubrication; and in daily chemical products, it serves as a mild solubilizing and cleansing component. It is a multifunctional industrial-grade surfactant.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemParameter Content
Product NameCastor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40
Chemical NameCastor Oil Polyoxyethylene (40) Ether (PEG-40 Castor Oil)
CAS Number61791-12-6
Ionic TypeNonionic Surfactant
AppearanceLight yellow oily liquid to paste
Emulsification TypeO/W (Oil-in-Water) Emulsifier
HLB ValueModerate (specific numerical value not available for this parameter)
Hard Water ResistanceExcellent
Acid and Alkali ResistanceExcellent
CompatibilityGood compatibility with anionic, cationic, and nonionic auxiliaries

Application Suggestions

Textile Dyeing and Finishing: As an efficient emulsifier and leveling agent, ensuring uniform dye penetration while imparting good antistatic properties and smooth hand feel to fibers. It is recommended to verify dosage through small-scale trials in dyeing auxiliaries formulations based on process conditions.

Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifying dispersant, it stably disperses oily active ingredients in water, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on target surfaces, thereby improving control efficacy. Suitable for emulsifiable concentrates, aqueous emulsions, and other formulation types.

Coatings and Inks: As a pigment wetting dispersant and emulsion polymerization emulsifier, it effectively improves pigment filler dispersion fineness and color development, preventing flocculation, floating, and flooding, and enhancing product storage stability.

Metalworking Fluids: It provides dual roles of emulsification and lubrication, forming stable emulsions during cutting, grinding, and other processes to deliver cooling, lubrication, and rust prevention performance.

Daily Chemicals: In skincare creams, facial cleansers, emulsifying waxes, and other products, it acts as a mild nonionic surfactant, contributing solubilization, emulsification, and cleaning efficacy while imparting a soft touch.

Precautions

  • Safety Warning: This product is classified as an irritant substance, GHS classification: Skin irritation (Category 2) and Serious eye irritation (Category 2), signal word "Warning". Causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319).
  • Environmental Hazard: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Do not discharge untreated product directly into water bodies.
  • Operational Protection: Wear chemical safety gloves, protective goggles or face shield, and appropriate work clothing during handling. Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature between 5°C and 35°C, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, with containers kept tightly closed, away from ignition sources, heat, and strong oxidizers.
  • First Aid Measures: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes; for eye contact, flush with running water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately; if ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek medical help immediately.