Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-80 is a nonionic surfactant with a high HLB value (15.5~16.5), widely used in industries such as textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, daily chemical care, metal processing, emulsion polymerization, and industrial cleaning. Its core functions include emulsification, dispersion, solubilization, and antistatic properties.
Detailed Description
Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-80 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) is synthesized by condensing natural castor oil with approximately 80 moles of ethylene oxide under the action of a catalyst. At room temperature, it appears as a light yellow paste or solid. Thanks to its high degree of ethylene oxide addition, this product is easily soluble in water to form a transparent solution, with an HLB value between 15.5 and 16.5, making it a typical O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier with excellent stability against acids, alkalis, hard water, and electrolytes.
The molecular structure of this product combines the hydrophobic groups of long-chain fatty acid esters with the hydrophilic groups of polyoxyethylene ether chains, giving it outstanding performance in reducing liquid-solid interfacial tension, wetting and penetration, emulsification and dispersion, while also possessing low foaming characteristics and good antistatic effects. It is a multifunctional industrial surfactant.
Main Application Industries and Processes
1. Textile Industry
- Synthetic fiber spinning oils: Used as a smoothing component and antistatic agent in spinning oils for nylon, polyester, etc., to reduce the dynamic friction coefficient of fibers, eliminate static charge buildup, and reduce fuzz and breakage. Recommended dosage is 0.1% to 0.5% of the working oil solution.
- Wool spinning oils: Used as an emulsifier and lubricating aid to impart a soft handfeel to yarns.
- Dyeing and finishing: Used as a leveling agent and dispersant to improve uniform dye distribution on fibers and prevent color spots. Recommended dosage is 0.05% to 0.2% (based on the weight of the dye bath).
2. Pesticide Formulations
- Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) systems: Widely used in difficult-to-emulsify systems such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, and emamectin benzoate, providing initial emulsification and long-term stability. Recommended addition amount is 5% to 12%, often compounded with anionic emulsifiers.
- Emulsion in water/microemulsion: Used as the primary emulsifier to stably disperse the organic phase as fine droplets in water, enhancing the wetting, spreading, and penetration ability of the spray liquid on targets.
3. Daily Chemical and Personal Care Products
- Skin cleansing products: Used as a solubilizer and refatting agent for water-soluble emollient esters in shampoos, shower gels, and facial cleansers to improve post-wash dryness.
- Creams and lotions: Used as an emulsifier in O/W creams, lotions, and sunscreen products to obtain a fine and stable cream structure.
- Transparent solubilization systems: Suitable for solubilizing transparent products containing fragrances, essential oils, and oil-soluble active ingredients.
4. Metalworking and Lubrication
- Cutting fluids/hydraulic support fluids: Used as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier in emulsifiable and semi-synthetic cutting fluids, with good emulsifying ability for base oils such as mineral oils, synthetic esters, and polyalphaolefins, and capable of adapting to high-hardness water. Recommended addition amount is 1% to 3% of the total formula.
- Synergistic rust prevention and lubrication: Also provides certain synergistic rust prevention effects and improved boundary lubrication, helping to extend tool life and improve workpiece surface finish.
5. Emulsion Polymerization
- As a nonionic emulsifier and colloidal protective agent, used in emulsion polymerization systems such as acrylates, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl acetate-acrylic, effectively maintaining the dispersion stability of latex particles, controlling particle size distribution, improving the mechanical stability and calcium ion stability of the latex, and imparting good dilution stability and compatibility to the final polymer emulsion.
6. Industrial Cleaning
- As a cleaning agent additive, compounded with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, etc., significantly enhancing degreasing, decontamination, and dispersion capabilities. Recommended addition amount is 1% to 5% of the total formula.
Technical Parameters (Core Indicator Overview)
| Parameter | Typical Data/Range |
|---|
| Appearance (room temperature) | Light yellow paste to solid |
| Ionic type | Nonionic |
| HLB value | 15.5～16.5 |
| EO addition mole number | Approximately 80 |
| Water solubility | Easily soluble in water, forming a transparent solution |
| Hard water resistance | Excellent |
| Acid and alkali resistance | Resistant to weak acids and weak bases |
| Foaming characteristics | Low foaming |
| Flash point (closed cup) | >150°C |
| Biodegradability | OECD 301B, 28-day degradation rate ≥70% (ultimately biodegradable) |
| Aquatic toxicity (Daphnia magna 48h EC50) | >100 mg/L |
Note: For detailed physicochemical indicators and batch data, please refer to the product test report or contact Guoli Chemical Technical Support.
Application Suggestions
- Conduct small-scale tests first: It is recommended to perform small-scale tests before use to determine the optimal dosage and formulation process conditions, as the actual effect is influenced by factors such as system composition, temperature, and water quality.
- Emulsification process: When used as an emulsifier, the recommended dosage is 2% to 10% of the oil phase weight. The product can be added directly to the oil phase, followed by slow addition of water under stirring for phase inversion emulsification, or it can be pre-prepared as a 20% to 30% aqueous solution for later use.
- Compounding suggestions: This product can be compounded with nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants, as well as most organic solvents and auxiliaries, for synergistic effects and strong formulation adaptability.
Precautions
- Storage temperature: Keep at 5 to 40°C to prevent softening and agglomeration at high temperatures or hardening at low temperatures. Under unopened conditions, the shelf life is 24 months.
- Hygroscopicity: This product is hygroscopic. After opening the container, reseal it as soon as possible to avoid moisture absorption.
- Incompatible substances: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides, permanganates), strong acids, and strong bases.
- Safe operation: Wear nitrile rubber gloves and chemical safety goggles during operation. Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid generating aerosols or sprays.
- Waste disposal: Comply with local regulations. Incinerate at licensed waste treatment facilities or hand over to qualified waste disposal agencies. Avoid direct discharge into water bodies or soil without permission.
For more technical details or customized formulation needs, please contact the technical support team of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. We can provide independent test reports for each batch of product, ensuring full traceability of quality.
