Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-40

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40 (CAS: 61791-12-6) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 12.5~13.5, appearing as a light yellow to yellow transparent liquid. It exhibits excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, and can be widely used in various industrial fields such as textiles, pesticides, and coatings.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-40, with the full chemical name Polyoxyethylene (40) Castor Oil Ether (PEG-40 Castor Oil), is produced by ethoxylation of natural castor oil. Its molecular formula is approximately C57H104O9(C2H4O)n (n≈40), and the molecular weight is about 2500. The product is chemically stable under normal storage conditions, resistant to hard water, acids, and alkalis, and has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, making it an ideal choice for constructing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems.

This product is soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and many other solvents. The pH value of a 1% aqueous solution is between 5.0 and 7.0, showing weak acidity to neutrality. The cloud point is ≥100°C, indicating high temperature stability in aqueous solution. The surface tension is about 32 mN/m (1% aqueous solution, 25°C), and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) ranges from 0.01% to 0.05%. It has low foaming properties, which minimizes operational interference in practical applications, especially in textile printing, dyeing, and metalworking industries.

In terms of product quality indicators, the active content is ≥99%, moisture ≤0.5%, acid value ≤0.5 mgKOH/g, saponification value ≤10 mgKOH/g, hydroxyl value between 60 and 75 mgKOH/g, and iodine value between 25 and 35 gI2/100g. Physical constants such as density (1.04~1.06 g/cm³), refractive index (1.465~1.475, 20°C), and viscosity (400~600 mPa·s, 25°C) are fully recorded in our company's database and can serve as important references for raw material testing and formulation design.

Technical Parameters

Parameter CategoryParameter NameSpecification/Value
Basic InformationChinese NameCastor Oil Polyoxyethylene (40) Ether
English NamePEG-40 Castor Oil / Castor oil ethoxylated
CAS Number61791-12-6
Ionic TypeNonionic Surfactant
Molecular FormulaC57H104O9(C2H4O)n, n≈40
Molecular WeightApprox. 2500
AppearanceAppearanceLight yellow to yellow transparent liquid
StateViscous liquid, no obvious melting point
Core Physical PropertiesHLB Value12.5 ~ 13.5
Cloud Point (℃)≥ 100
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0 ~ 7.0
pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution)5.0 ~ 7.0
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25℃)Approx. 32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)0.01% ~ 0.05%
Chemical IndicatorsActive Content (%)≥ 99
Water Content (%)≤ 0.5
Acid Value (mgKOH/g)≤ 0.5
Saponification Value (mgKOH/g)≤ 10
Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g)60 ~ 75
Iodine Value25 ~ 35 gI2/100g
Physical ConstantsDensity (g/cm³)1.04 ~ 1.06
Refractive Index (20℃)1.465 ~ 1.475
Dynamic Viscosity (mPa·s, 25℃)400 ~ 600
Flash Point (℃)> 200
HygroscopicityHygroscopic
Performance PropertiesFoam CharacteristicsLow Foam
Alkali StabilityAlkali Resistant
Health and SafetyHeavy Metal Content (ppm)≤ 10
Arsenic Content (ppm)≤ 2
Packaging Specifications50kg Plastic Drum
200kg Plastic Drum
IBC Tote

Application Suggestions

According to the database of Guoli Chemical, EL-40, with its hydrophilic HLB value of 12.5~13.5 and excellent emulsifying and dispersing capabilities, has mature application cases in the following areas:

  • Textile Printing and Dyeing: Used as a leveling agent and antistatic agent. Recommended dosage is 0.5%~2% of the working solution, effectively improving dye penetration uniformity and fiber smooth feel.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Used as an emulsifying dispersant for oily active ingredients. Recommended addition of 5%~15% in emulsifiable concentrates or microemulsions to ensure the liquid wets and spreads on the target surface, improving control efficiency.
  • Coatings and Inks: Used as a pigment wetting dispersant, added at 2%~5% of the pigment weight, preventing flocculation and floating, significantly improving storage stability and color development.
  • Metalworking Fluids: With both emulsifying and lubricating functions, recommended dosage of 3%~10% when preparing cutting fluids, helping to form stable processing emulsions, reducing frictional heat, and protecting tools and workpieces.
  • Daily Chemicals: Used as a mild nonionic emulsifier in creams, facial cleansers, and other formulations, recommended addition of 2%~8%, imparting a soft touch to the product and reducing system irritation.

Precautions

  • Safety: This product is classified under GHS as Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 2, and Aquatic Chronic Hazard Category 3. When handling, wear chemical protective gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of accidental eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended to store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.