Main Components of Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-80?

Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-80 is a nonionic surfactant formed by the condensation of natural castor oil with ethylene oxide (approximately 80 moles EO) under the action of a catalyst; its chemical nature is ethoxylated castor oil.

Detailed Description

The main chemical component of castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-80 is polyoxyethylene (80) castor oil (INCI name: PEG-80 Castor Oil), with CAS number 61791-12-6. Its molecular structure consists of two parts: the lipophilic end is the triglyceride of ricinoleic acid in natural castor oil (mainly containing 12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid), and the hydrophilic end is a polyoxyethylene chain formed by the polymerization of approximately 80 ethylene oxide (EO) units. The hydroxyl groups in the castor oil molecule undergo ring-opening polymerization with ethylene oxide, grafting long-chain polyoxyethylene ether onto the castor oil backbone, forming a macromolecular nonionic surfactant with a multi-branched structure.

The product has an ethylene oxide addition mole number of approximately 80, which imparts extremely high hydrophilicity. Its HLB value is in the range of 15.5–16.5, allowing it to completely dissolve in water to form a clear solution. At room temperature, the product appears as a pale yellowish paste to solid. Because its molecule contains both fatty acid ester long chains and polyoxyethylene ether segments, it exhibits excellent comprehensive performance in emulsification, dispersion, solubilization, and antistatic properties.

As a nonionic surfactant, EL-80 does not ionize in water; its surface activity stems from hydrogen bonding between the ether oxygen atoms in the polyoxyethylene ether chain and water molecules. This structural characteristic gives it good resistance to hard water, acids, alkalis, and electrolytes stability. It can be used in combination with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants, providing synergistic effects and excellent formulation compatibility.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

Based on the structural characteristics of its main component, EL-80 can be widely used in the following areas:

• Pesticide Emulsifier: Used as the main emulsifier for emulsifiable concentrates, oil-in-water emulsions, and microemulsions, with a recommended addition of 5%–12% of the total formulation.
• Textile Auxiliary: As a smoothing component and antistatic agent in spinning oils, typically composing 0.1%–0.5% of the working solution.
• Industrial Cleaning: As a cleaning agent additive, recommended at 1%–5% of the total formulation, significantly enhancing degreasing performance.
• Metalworking Fluids: As an emulsifying and lubricating component, suggested at 1%–3% of the total formulation.
• Emulsion Polymerization: As a nonionic emulsifier and colloidal stabilizer, used in acrylic, styrene-acrylic, and other emulsion systems.
• Personal Care Products: As a solubilizer for water-soluble emollient esters and an emulsifier for O/W creams and lotions.

Precautions

• The product is hygroscopic; after opening, reseal as soon as possible. Storage temperature should be maintained at 5–40°C.
• It is recommended to conduct a small-scale trial before use to determine the optimal dosage and formulation process conditions.
• Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, permanganates).
• When handling, it is recommended to wear chemical-resistant protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) and chemical safety goggles.
• This product is not classified as a hazardous chemical and can be transported under general chemical conditions.