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

The main component of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 is castor oil polyoxyethylene (40) ether (PEG-40 Castor Oil), a nonionic surfactant prepared by the addition reaction of natural castor oil with about 40 ethylene oxide (EO) molecules.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 is a derivative of natural castor oil modified by ethoxylation process. Castor oil itself is a natural vegetable oil containing triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, with multiple hydroxyl functional groups in its molecular structure. Under the action of a catalyst, these hydroxyl groups undergo ring-opening polymerization with ethylene oxide (EO), ultimately resulting in an average of about 40 ethylene oxide chain segments grafted onto the castor oil molecular backbone, forming a high-molecular-weight compound with the chemical name Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene (40) Ether.

From a chemical composition perspective, the molecular formula of this product can be expressed as C₅₇H₁₀₄O₉(C₂H₄O)_n (where n≈40), with a molecular weight of approximately 2500. It appears as a light yellow to yellow transparent liquid or paste, with an active content ≥99%, and CAS number 61791-12-6. This product is a nonionic surfactant that does not dissociate into ions in water, thus exhibiting excellent resistance to hard water, acids, and alkalis, and good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and nonionic auxiliaries.

It should be emphasized that EL-40 is not a single pure compound, but a mixture of homologs with varying degrees of ethoxylation (i.e., EO adduct numbers distributed around an average of 40), which is a typical characteristic of polyoxyethylene ether surfactants. This distribution imparts comprehensive emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, making it widely applicable in textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, coatings and inks, metalworking fluids, and daily chemical products.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

Based on the unique molecular structure of EL-40 with castor oil as the hydrophobic group and polyoxyethylene chains as the hydrophilic group, its HLB value is moderate (12.5~13.5), making it an excellent O/W emulsifier:

• Textile Printing and Dyeing: Recommended for use in synthetic fiber spinning oils and leveling agents in dyeing baths, utilizing its emulsifying power for animal/vegetable/mineral oils and antistatic properties. Suggested dosage is 2%~8% of the total formulation.
• Pesticide Formulations: Suitable for EC (emulsifiable concentrate) and EW (emulsion in water) systems. As an emulsifying dispersant, it can significantly improve the wetting and spreading of the spray liquid. Suggested dosage is 5%~15%.
• Metalworking Fluids: Acts as both an emulsifier and auxiliary lubricant in emulsified cutting fluids, helping to form a uniform and stable working emulsion. Suggested dosage is 3%~10%.
• Daily Chemical Products: Used in facial cleansers, makeup removers, and skin creams to help uniformly disperse oil-soluble components, providing a mild and smooth skin feel.

Precautions

• This product is a low-foaming nonionic surfactant with a cloud point ≥100°C, operable in normal temperature water and warm water.
• Hygroscopic; after opening, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place (recommended temperature 5℃~35℃).
• Contains irritants (GHS07); wear protective gloves and goggles during operation, avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
• Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412); do not discharge untreated product directly into water bodies.