Question

What are the physicochemical and technical parameters of Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-80?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-80

Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-80 has a high HLB value, excellent emulsifying and solubilizing capabilities, and low foam characteristics. Its physicochemical and technical parameters cover multiple aspects including basic physical properties, surface activity indicators, chemical stability, and safety. The following is a complete parameter summary.

Detailed Explanation

Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-80 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) is a nonionic surfactant synthesized by condensation of natural castor oil with approximately 80 moles of ethylene oxide. Its molecular formula is C57H104O9(C2H4O)80H, with a molecular weight of approximately 4450. At room temperature, it appears as a light yellow to brownish-yellow transparent liquid or paste. It is readily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone and other organic solvents, but insoluble in petroleum ether. The product is hygroscopic, with a melting point range of about 35~40°C, so it may appear as a paste or solid at lower temperatures and can be gently warmed to restore fluidity before use.

The product has high hydrophilicity, with an HLB value between 16 and 17, and a cloud point as high as 91.0~96.0°C, making it a typical O\/W emulsifier. Its surface tension is approximately 35~40 mN\/m, and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is about 0.01%~0.1%, demonstrating good surface activity and emulsifying efficiency. The foam characteristic is low foam, which can reduce the amount of defoamer needed in practical applications and improve process efficiency. In terms of chemical stability, the product exhibits good tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, but its oxidation resistance is average, so contact with strong oxidizers should be avoided.

Guoli Chemical provides an independent inspection report for each batch of product, ensuring active content ≥99%, moisture ≤1.0%, and free alcohol ≤3%. Key indicators such as acid value, hydroxyl value, and saponification value are strictly controlled within the range of industry standards. The product has a flash point greater than 200°C, is not classified as a flammable liquid, and has good safety in storage and transportation.

Technical Parameters

Parameter CategoryParameter NameIndicator\/Value
Basic InformationCAS No.61791-12-6
Molecular FormulaC57H104O9(C2H4O)80H
Molecular WeightApprox. 4450
AppearanceLight yellow to brownish-yellow transparent liquid (or paste)
Core Physical PropertiesHLB Value16~17
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)91.0~96.0 °C
Melting Point35~40 °C
Density (25°C)1.05~1.10 g\/cm³
Surface PerformanceSurface TensionApprox. 35~40 mN\/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 0.01%~0.1%
Foam CharacteristicLow foam
Chemical IndicatorsActive Content≥99%
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH\/g
Hydroxyl Value37.0~41.0 mgKOH\/g
Saponification Value35~45 mgKOH\/g
Iodine Value≤20
Quality ControlMoisture≤1.0%
Solid Content≥98%
Free Alcohol≤3%
pH Value1% Aqueous Solution pH5.5~7.5
5% Aqueous Solution pH5.5~7.5
Solvent and StabilitySolubilityEasily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone; insoluble in petroleum ether
Chemical StabilityStable to acids, alkalis, hard water; moderate oxidation resistance; hygroscopic
OthersKinematic ViscosityApprox. 2000~3000 mm²\/s
Refractive Index1.470~1.480
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>200 °C
Safety and LimitsHeavy Metals (as Pb)≤10 mg\/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg\/kg

Application Recommendations

Based on the above parameter characteristics, EL-80 is especially suitable as an O\/W emulsifier in the following scenarios:

  • High-performance emulsification systems: HLB value of 16~17, cloud point >90°C, suitable for emulsification of mineral oils, animal and vegetable oils, and aromatic solvents. Recommended dosage is 2%~10% of the oil phase mass.
  • High-temperature processing environments: High cloud point ensures excellent emulsifying ability even in high-temperature dyeing, high-temperature cleaning, and other processes, with no performance degradation.
  • Low-foam formulations: Suitable for industrial cleaners, cutting fluids, and other scenarios requiring low foam or easy rinsing. Recommended addition amount is 1%~5% of the total formulation.
  • Personal care product solubilization: High HLB value and excellent water solubility make it an ideal solubilizer for fragrances, essential oils, and other oil-soluble ingredients.

Precautions

  • The product has a melting point of approximately 35~40°C. It may appear as a paste or solid when stored at low temperatures, which is normal. Before use, it can be warmed (≤50°C) and stirred to uniformity without affecting product quality.
  • The product is hygroscopic. After opening, it should be sealed and stored as soon as possible to avoid moisture absorption leading to excessive moisture content.
  • Storage temperature is recommended to be kept at 5