Question

What are the main industries and processes where Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 is applied?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-90

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 is widely used in multiple industries such as agrochemicals, textile and chemical fiber, industrial emulsification, daily chemicals, metal processing, and leather, serving as a multifunctional nonionic surfactant.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 (also known as PEG-90 Castor Oil) is a nonionic surfactant produced by polymerizing castor oil with ethylene oxide. It appears as a pale yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid. With its excellent emulsifying ability, high solubilizing and dispersing properties, outstanding wetting and spreading performance, and superior chemical compatibility, this product is widely used in many industrial fields. It has strong hydrophilicity, belongs to the O/W type emulsifier, remains stable over a wide pH range, exhibits good resistance to hard water and electrolytes, and has good biodegradability, making it a green auxiliary with low environmental load.

In terms of process application, EL-90 mainly performs multiple functions such as emulsification, dispersion, solubilization, wetting, smoothing, and antistatic properties. It can be used alone as a primary emulsifier or compounded with other surfactants to meet the specific HLB value and emulsion stability requirements of different formulation systems. Whether in high-temperature or room-temperature processes, this product can provide a stable emulsion system, ensuring smooth production processes and excellent quality of end products.

Main Application Industries and Processes

Application Industry Specific Process/Use Functional Role
Agrochemicals Formulation of pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and emulsion concentrates in water Emulsifier, solubilizer, helping active ingredients disperse evenly, improving efficacy and field application results
Textile and Chemical Fiber Industry Formulation of chemical fiber oil agents, pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing auxiliaries Provides smoothness, bundling, and antistatic properties; enhances penetration, leveling, and softening effects
Industrial Emulsification and Dispersion Emulsion polymerization (polymerization of monomers such as acrylic acid and vinyl acetate) Nucleation and stabilization role, ensuring smooth polymerization reactions and obtaining high-quality emulsion
Detergent Industry Household and industrial detergents, heavy-duty liquid detergents, hard surface cleaners Improves detergency, dispersibility, and foam control ability
Cosmetics and Personal Care Formulations of creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes Gentle emulsification and solubilization, helping active ingredients disperse evenly and improving skin feel
Metalworking Fluids Cutting fluids, grinding fluids, rust preventive fluids Synergistic effects of emulsification, lubrication, and rust prevention, improving machining accuracy and extending tool life
Leather Processing Leather degreasing, fatliquoring, and finishing processes Imparts soft and full handle to leather, facilitates uniform absorption of dyes and oils

Application Recommendations

EL-90 is suitable for O/W emulsion systems. In actual formulations, it is recommended to adjust the dosage based on the HLB value requirement of the target system. This product can be used alone or compounded with nonionic or anionic surfactants to achieve synergistic effects. In pesticide formulations, it is recommended for emulsifiable concentrates and microemulsion formulations; in the textile field, it is suitable as a core component of chemical fiber oil agents; in metalworking fluids, it can be used in combination with rust inhibitors and extreme pressure additives. The product may solidify or become turbid at low temperatures; it is recommended to slowly warm it within the range of 5°C to 40°C and stir evenly before use to restore normal performance.

Precautions

  • The product should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated indoor environment, with a recommended long-term storage temperature of 5°C to 40°C.
  • Solidification at low temperatures is a normal physical change. Use indirect heating methods (such as a warm water bath) to slowly melt it; do not directly heat the container with an open flame.
  • During operation, it is recommended to wear nitrile rubber gloves and chemical safety goggles to avoid prolonged skin contact and splashes into the eyes.
  • Prevent large amounts of undiluted product from being directly discharged into water bodies. Dispose of it in compliance with local regulations after use.