Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 (CAS No.: 61791-12-6) is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. It is prepared by polymerization of natural castor oil and ethylene oxide, appearing as a light yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid. It is also known as PEG-90 Castor Oil or Emulsifier EL-90, with a molecular weight of approximately 4900 and an active content of over 99%, belonging to a high-purity industrial grade auxiliary. This product is easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone, and other solvents, but insoluble in petroleum ether. It exhibits good resistance to acids, alkalis, hard water, and electrolytes, and remains stable over a wide pH range.
The most prominent performance advantage of EL-90 lies in its excellent emulsifying capability — it can effectively reduce the oil-water interfacial tension and prepare emulsion systems with narrow particle size distribution and high stability. Meanwhile, the product possesses high solubilizing and dispersing properties, significantly improving the solubility and dispersion uniformity of poorly soluble substances, ensuring long-term stability of the formulation. Its low foaming characteristic (penetration force by canvas settling method greater than 300 seconds) ensures that it does not generate excessive foam interference in mechanical stirring and circulation systems, a practical advantage distinguishing it from other emulsifiers. Additionally, the product has an HLB value of 16-17 and a cloud point of 91-96°C, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring high-temperature processing or high-temperature emulsion stability.
In terms of safety, EL-90 is not classified as a hazardous chemical. Toxicological data shows that its oral LD50 in rats is greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity; skin irritation tests show no irritation; it only causes slight reversible eye irritation, typically recovering completely within 24 hours. For ecological assessment, the 96-hour acute toxicity LC50 for fish is greater than 100 mg/L, and the product is biodegradable, not easily persistent in the environment, meeting the requirements of modern green chemistry.
| Parameter Name | Value/Indicator |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 61791-12-6 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 4900 |
| HLB Value | 16-17 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | 91.0~96.0°C |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.5~7.5 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 37.0~41.0 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 30~45 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤1.0 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤2.0 g I₂/100g |
| Water Content | ≤1.0% |
| Flash Point | >250°C |
| Density (25°C) | 1.04~1.08 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approx. 2000~3000 mm²/s |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.01~0.02 g/L |
| Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | Approx. 40.0 mN/m |
| Melting Point | 35~40°C |
| Foam Properties | Low Foaming |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone, and other organic solvents; insoluble in petroleum ether |
| Chemical Stability | Good chemical stability against acids, alkalis, hard water, and oxidizing agents |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic Content | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Packaging Specification | 50kg plastic drum, 200kg plastic drum, IBC tote |
Note: All parameters above are sourced from Guoli Chemical product database.
1. Pesticide Emulsifier: As a key component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates (EC), microemulsions (ME), and emulsion in water (EW), the recommended dosage is generally 5%-15% of the total formulation weight. It helps active ingredients disperse uniformly, significantly improving efficacy and field application performance.
2. Industrial Emulsification and Emulsion Polymerization: Used as the primary emulsifier in various oil-water systems, suitable for emulsion polymerization processes of monomers such as acrylic acid and vinyl acetate. The recommended dosage is 2%-5% of the total monomer weight, ensuring smooth polymerization and producing high-quality emulsions with narrow particle size distribution.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: As a mild nonionic emulsifying and solubilizing ingredient, suitable for formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes. Recommended addition level is 0.5%-3%, helping active ingredients disperse evenly and improving skin feel. Due to its non-irritating nature and extremely low sensitization potential, it is especially suitable for sensitive skin care products.
4. Metalworking Fluids: Plays an emulsifying, lubricating, and anti-corrosion synergistic role in cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rust preventives. Recommended dosage is 8%-20% of the concentrate, improving processing accuracy and extending tool life.
5. Textile and Chemical Fiber Industry: As a core component of fiber oiling agents and textile auxiliaries, providing excellent smoothness and bundling properties, reducing breakage rate during spinning; also used in pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing processes to enhance penetration and leveling effects.
6. Detergents: Enhances detergency and dispersion of household and industrial detergents, especially suitable for heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents and hard surface cleaners. Recommended addition level is 1%-5%.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at a temperature between 5°C and 40°C, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures. The product may solidify or become turbid at low temperatures; this is a normal physical change. It can be restored by indirect heating in a warm water bath with stirring, and direct open flame heating is strictly prohibited. It is recommended to use stainless steel, HDPE, or PP containers, and avoid prolonged direct contact with ordinary carbon steel. Follow the "first in, first out" principle for inventory management.
Handling Protection: Although the product has low toxicity and is non-irritating to skin, it is recommended to wear nitrile rubber gloves and chemical safety goggles during operation. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating. The product is hygroscopic; containers should be resealed promptly after opening.
Environmental Disposal: Prevent large quantities of undiluted product from being discharged directly into water bodies. Waste materials must be disposed of by qualified professional waste disposal companies in accordance with regulations, and should not be discarded arbitrarily or mixed with general garbage.