Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 (PEG-40 Castor Oil) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value between 12.5 and 13.5. It is easily soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents, and is suitable for constructing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. The core usage method is usually to directly add it to the water phase or oil phase and stir evenly, then mix with the material to be emulsified/dispersed. Since this product is a light yellow viscous liquid at room temperature and may thicken or even become pasty at low temperatures, it is recommended to use it in an environment above 20°C. If it becomes viscous due to low temperature, it can be heated in a water bath at 30-40°C to restore fluidity before use. Open flames or high-temperature heating directly in the container are strictly prohibited.
In different industrial fields, the addition order and dosage of EL-40 vary. When used as an emulsifier, EL-40 is usually dissolved in the oily component to be emulsified first, then the water phase is slowly added under stirring, or alternatively, the oil phase is slowly poured into the water phase containing EL-40. A stable emulsion is obtained by high-speed shearing or homogenization. When used as a wetting and dispersing agent, it can be added to water first, followed by the addition of pigments and fillers for grinding and dispersion. When used as a leveling agent, it is generally added directly to the dye bath and run according to the standard process. The specific dosage needs to be determined through experiments based on the formulation system and process requirements. The general reference range is 0.5% to 10% (by mass) of the total formulation.
EL-40 has good compatibility with anionic, cationic and other nonionic surfactants, and can be used in combination to achieve synergistic effects. For example, in pesticide emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations, it is often compounded with anionic emulsifiers (such as calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) to improve emulsion stability and enhance the wetting and spreading ability of the liquid on plant leaves. In metalworking fluids, it is compounded with petroleum sulfonates, rust inhibitors, etc., to construct semi-synthetic/emulsifiable cutting fluids with cooling, lubrication, and rust prevention functions.
| Parameter Item | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance (25°C) | Light yellow to yellow viscous liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 12.5~13.5 |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | ≥100°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents |
| Density (25°C) | 1.04~1.06 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | 400~600 mPa·s |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.01~0.05% |
| Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | Approx. 32 mN/m |
| Flash Point | >200°C |
1. Textile Dyeing and Finishing: As a leveling agent and antistatic agent, the recommended dosage is 1~3 g/L (relative to the dye bath volume). It can be added directly to the dye bath, stirred evenly, and then dyed according to the conventional process. When used in synthetic fiber spinning oils, the recommended dosage is 3%~8%.
2. Pesticide Formulations: In emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations, the dosage is typically 5%~15%; in emulsion in water (EW) and microemulsion (ME) formulations, as a co-emulsifier compounded with anionic surfactants, the dosage is 3%~8%. It is recommended to first dissolve EL-40 in the oil phase solvent, then mix evenly with the pesticide technical material.
3. Coatings and Inks: As a pigment wetting and dispersing agent, the dosage is 2%~5% of the pigment mass. EL-40 can be dissolved in the water phase of the grinding base, then pigments are added for grinding, effectively reducing system viscosity, preventing pigment flocculation, and improving color development.
4. Metalworking Fluids: In emulsifiable cutting fluids, the dosage is 8%~20% (relative to the concentrate), compounded with base oil, rust inhibitors, extreme pressure agents, etc. Operation method: First, mix EL-40 evenly with the oil phase components, then add deionized water while stirring. After thorough stirring or homogenization, a stable emulsion concentrate can be obtained.
5. Daily Chemical Products: In makeup removers, skin creams, facial cleansers, etc., the dosage is 1%~10%. It is recommended to heat the oil phase components and EL-40 to 70~80°C, while heating the water phase to a similar temperature, then slowly add the water phase to the oil phase under stirring. After homogenization and emulsification, cool to obtain the finished product.