Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-90 is a non-ionic surfactant polymerized from castor oil and ethylene oxide, possessing excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, dispersing, and wetting properties. It is widely applied in various industrial fields such as agrochemicals, textiles, daily chemicals, and metal processing.
Detailed Description
Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-90 (CAS Number: 61791-12-6), also known as PEG-90 castor oil, polyoxyethylene (90) castor oil, or Emulsifier EL-90, belongs to the non-ionic surfactant category. Its molecular structure is formed by introducing approximately 90 ethylene oxide (EO) units into natural castor oil through an ethoxylation reaction. Its appearance is typically a pale yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid. This product is manufactured by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., and is known for its high purity and excellent surface activity.
The core advantage of EL-90 lies in its powerful emulsifying ability, which effectively reduces interfacial tension in various oil-water systems to form emulsions with uniform particle size and long-term stability. Simultaneously, it possesses outstanding solubilizing and dispersing properties, significantly enhancing the solubility and dispersion uniformity of insoluble substances. Furthermore, the product remains stable over a wide pH range, exhibits good resistance to hard water and electrolytes, and has excellent biodegradability, making it a green auxiliary agent with low environmental impact.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Description |
| Product Name | Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-90 |
| CAS Number | 61791-12-6 |
| Aliases | PEG-90 Castor Oil, Polyoxyethylene (90) Castor Oil, Emulsifier EL-90, Ethoxylated Castor Oil |
| Product Type | Non-ionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid |
| HLB Value | No data available for this parameter |
| Cloud Point | No data available for this parameter |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | > 5,000 mg/kg (Rat), classified as a low-toxicity substance |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Acute Fish Toxicity (LC50) | > 100 mg/L (96 hours) |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
Application Suggestions
Castor oil polyoxyethylene ether EL-90 is extremely versatile in its applicable scenarios, primarily covering the following fields:
- Agrochemicals: Serves as a key emulsifying and solubilizing component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates (EC), microemulsions (ME), and aqueous emulsions (EW), aiding in the uniform dispersion of active ingredients to enhance efficacy and field performance.
- Textile and Chemical Fiber Industries: Used as a core component in spin finishes, imparting good smoothness, cohesion, and antistatic properties to synthetic fibers; also serves as an auxiliary agent in pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing processes to enhance penetration and leveling effects.
- Industrial Emulsification and Dispersion: Suitable as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization processes, as well as in formulations for metalworking fluids and leather auxiliaries, performing synergistic emulsifying, lubricating, and rust-preventive roles in cutting and grinding fluids.
- Daily Chemicals: Acts as a mild emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic creams, lotions, shampoos, and shower gels, and is also applicable in household and industrial detergent formulations.
Precautions
- The product may solidify or become turbid at low temperatures; this is a normal physical change. Gradually warming it up within the recommended temperature range and mixing it will not affect its performance. Direct heating of the container with an open flame is strictly prohibited; use a warm water bath for indirect heating.
- It is recommended to wear nitrile rubber gloves and chemical safety goggles during handling, avoiding contact with eyes and skin. Ensure good ventilation in the work area.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated indoor warehouse; sealed containers made of stainless steel, HDPE, or PP are recommended. Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizing agents.
- Waste disposal must be handled compliantly by a qualified professional waste treatment provider. Arbitrary dumping into the natural environment or mixing with ordinary garbage is strictly prohibited.