Question

What are the main components 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

The main component of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60 is Polyoxyethylene (60) Castor Oil (PEG-60 Castor Oil), a high-purity nonionic surfactant obtained by ethoxylation reaction of natural castor oil with 60 moles of ethylene oxide, with an active matter content ≥99%.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) is produced by using natural castor oil as the starting material and adding 60 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) to castor oil molecules through a catalytic ethoxylation process. Its approximate molecular formula is C57H104O9(C2H4O)60, with a molecular weight of about 3570. This product belongs to the nonionic surfactant category and appears as a light yellow to yellow viscous liquid or paste with a slight characteristic odor.

In terms of molecular structure, the hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the castor oil molecule undergo ring-opening polymerization with ethylene oxide, forming hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains, while the long-chain fatty acid part of castor oil provides hydrophobicity. This unique "hydrophilic-hydrophobic" block structure gives EL-60 excellent oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifying ability, with an HLB value as high as 14.5. It is easily soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and many other solvents. The product has an extremely high effective ingredient content (≥99%) and contains almost no free alcohol or other impurities, ensuring batch-to-batch performance consistency and formulation stability.

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60 produced by Guoli Chemical strictly follows quality control standards, with low heavy metal content (Pb ≤10 mg/kg, As ≤2 mg/kg), complies with non-hazardous substance classification, is non-irritating to skin and eyes (verified by OECD 404 and 405 tests), and exhibits readily biodegradable properties (degradation rate >60% under OECD 301B standard). It is a green nonionic surfactant that combines high performance with environmental friendliness.

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification/Value
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (60) Castor Oil / PEG-60 Castor Oil
CAS No.61791-12-6
Approximate Molecular FormulaC57H104O9(C2H4O)60
Molecular Weight~3570
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow viscous liquid or paste
Ion TypeNonionic
Active Matter Content≥99%
Solid Content≥99% (~100%)
HLB Value14.5
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)≥90°C
pH (1% solution)5.0-7.0
pH (5% solution)5.0-7.0
Density (25°C)1.05-1.07 g/cm³
Refractive Index (25°C)1.470-1.475
Kinematic Viscosity (40°C)200-400 mm²/s
Low Shear Viscosity (25°C)1000-5000 mPa·s
Surface Tension (0.1% solution, 25°C)Approx. 42 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration CMC (25°C)Approx. 0.03 g/L
Hydroxyl Value40-50 mg KOH/g
Acid Value≤1.0 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value45-55 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value~22 g I2/100g
Solidification PointApprox. 5-10°C
Flash Point>200°C
Water Content≤0.5%
SolubilityEasily soluble in water, ethanol, ether and other organic solvents
Foam CharacteristicsLow foaming
Chemical StabilityStable, not easily hydrolyzed; alkali resistant
HygroscopicityHygroscopic
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg

Application Recommendations

Based on the high HLB value (14.5) and nonionic nature of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-60, its core application is as an efficient oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier, particularly suitable for the following fields:

  • Industrial Emulsion Systems: As the main emulsifier in metalworking fluids (emulsified cutting fluids, grinding fluids, rolling oils), recommended dosage 3%-10%, can effectively disperse mineral oils and synthetic esters, providing stable emulsion state and good lubrication and cooling performance.
  • Textile Dyeing and Printing Auxiliaries: Used as a high-temperature leveling agent and dispersant, recommended dosage 1-5 g/L (based on dye liquor), can effectively prevent color patches and spots, improving dyeing uniformity and color fastness of synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Used in preparing emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsion in water (EW), microemulsions (ME), etc., recommended dosage 5%-12%, significantly enhancing the wetting, spreading, penetration and absorption of the pesticide solution on plant leaf surfaces.
  • Daily Chemical and Personal Care Products: Acts as a solubilizer and emulsifier in transparent shampoos, body washes, makeup removers, and cleansing creams, recommended dosage 1%-5%, can solubilize fragrances, essential oils, and lipophilic active ingredients, maintaining product transparency and long-term stability.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Participates in emulsion polymerization systems such as acrylate, styrene-acrylic, vinyl acetate-acrylic, etc.