Question

What are the main characteristics of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-60

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60 is a nonionic surfactant derived from natural castor oil, with core features including efficient emulsification and dispersion, excellent wetting and spreading ability, broad chemical compatibility, and mild, low-irritation safety.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60 (also known as PEG-60 Castor Oil) is produced by ethoxylation of natural castor oil, appearing as a light yellow paste. Due to its unique molecular structure — the castor oil fatty acid chain provides lipophilicity, and the polyoxyethylene chain segment provides hydrophilicity — this product exhibits outstanding interfacial activity in various industrial and daily chemical formulations. It has prominent emulsifying performance for oils, waxes, and various organic phases, significantly reducing the oil-water interfacial tension and endowing the emulsion with excellent long-term stability. It is a typical oil-in-water (O\/W) emulsifier.

Another major highlight of this product is its wide compatibility. EL-60 can be freely compounded with nonionic, anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, and maintains good performance stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water systems, giving it high application flexibility in complex formulation systems. At the same time, its solubilization and coupling abilities are outstanding. In daily chemical formulations, it can effectively solubilize fragrances, essential oils, and other insoluble components, helping to build transparent and uniform product systems.

In terms of safety and environmental protection, EL-60 is equally outstanding. It has extremely low acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg\/kg), is non-irritating to skin and eyes (OECD 404\/405), and has a negative skin sensitization test (OECD 406), belonging to the practically non-toxic level. Additionally, this product is readily biodegradable (> 60% BOD\/COD, OECD 301B), meeting the requirements for sustainable development of modern green chemicals.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemDescription
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (60) Castor Oil \/ PEG-60 Castor Oil
CAS Number61791-12-6
Product TypeNonionic Surfactant
AppearanceLight Yellow Paste
Raw Material SourceNatural Castor Oil
EO NumberAbout 60 mol
HLB ValueNot available (specific value not provided in database)
Cloud PointNot available (specific value not provided in database)
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat)LD₅₀ > 5000 mg\/kg
Skin Irritation (OECD 404)Non-irritating
Eye Irritation (OECD 405)Non-irritating
Skin Sensitization (OECD 406)Non-sensitizing
Biodegradability (OECD 301B)Readily biodegradable (> 60% BOD\/COD)
Ecotoxicity (Fish, 96h LC₅₀)> 100 mg\/L

Application Recommendations

With its efficient emulsification and low irritation properties, EL-60 covers both industrial and daily chemical fields:

  • Industrial Emulsifier: Suitable for emulsion polymerization (acrylic, styrene-acrylic, vinyl acetate-acrylic systems), metalworking fluids (cutting fluids, grinding fluids), industrial cleaners, etc., providing stable emulsification and lubrication functions.
  • Textile Printing and Dyeing: Used as a leveling agent and dispersant in high-temperature, high-pressure or normal-temperature dyeing, helping dyes to evenly dye and improving dyeing consistency and color fastness.
  • Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifier and wetting agent in emulsifiable concentrates, water-based emulsions, and microemulsions to enhance the spreading and penetration of the liquid on leaves.
  • Daily Chemical Products: Widely used in makeup removers, facial cleansers, transparent shampoos, body washes, creams, etc., as a solubilizer and emulsifier to improve product transparency and application feel.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Participates in the polymerization of acrylate, styrene-acrylic, vinyl acetate-acrylic systems, providing micelle nucleation and monomer emulsification, helping to control latex particle size distribution.

Precautions

  • It is recommended to operate in a well-ventilated area and wear chemical safety goggles, protective clothing, and chemical-resistant gloves.
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, keep containers tightly closed, and the ambient temperature should not exceed 40°C.
  • Keep away from strong oxidizers and other incompatible substances, as well as high temperatures and ignition sources, avoid direct sunlight.
  • This product is not a dangerous substance, but still avoid direct contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • In case of spillage, collect with inert absorbent material (e.g., sand) and prevent entry into drains and soil.