Question

How should Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 be stored? What is the shelf life?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚EL-90

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, with a recommended temperature of 5°C to 40°C; under unopened and properly stored conditions, the recommended shelf life is 2 years.

Detailed Description

Castor Oil Polyoxyethylene Ether EL-90 (CAS: 61791-12-6) is a chemically stable nonionic surfactant, and its storage conditions directly affect the retention of product performance. According to the safety instructions of Guoli Chemical, the recommended long-term storage temperature for this product is 5°C to 40°C. At low temperatures (below 5°C), the product may solidify or become turbid, which is a normal physical change and not a sign of product deterioration—simply warm it slowly within the recommended temperature range (e.g., using indirect heating in a warm water bath) and stir evenly to restore normal performance; do not use an open flame to directly heat the container.

The choice of packaging container is equally critical. It is recommended to use containers made of stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or polypropylene (PP), and the containers must be clean, dry, and well-sealed. Ordinary carbon steel should not be in long-term direct contact with the product. The product should be kept away from incompatible substances such as strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidizers, and hypochlorites. Warehouse management should follow the "first in, first out" principle.

Regarding shelf life, the product database does not officially specify a specific shelf life. Based on the chemical structure of this product (polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant) and industry practice, under strict compliance with the above storage conditions and keeping the original sealed packaging, it is recommended to use within 2 years from the date of manufacture to ensure optimal performance. For the exact shelf life, please refer to the product's certificate of analysis (COA) or label markings.

Technical Parameters

The following are key technical indicators related to storage and use:

Parameter ItemTechnical Indicator
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow paste or viscous liquid
Melting Point/Freezing Point35~40°C
Recommended Storage Temperature5°C to 40°C
Effective Content≥99%
Moisture≤1.0%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.5~7.5
Chemical StabilityGood chemical stability against acids, alkalis, hard water, and oxidizing agents
HygroscopicityHygroscopic
Flash Point>250°C
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum, 200kg plastic drum, IBC tote

Application Recommendations

This product is widely used in industrial fields such as chemical fiber oil agents, pesticide emulsifiers, textile auxiliaries, and metalworking fluids. It is recommended that users check the batch number and production date after receiving goods and prioritize using earlier batches for production. For large-quantity purchases (e.g., IBC tote packaging), consider sub-packaging into smaller containers to reduce the frequency of opening the main container and minimize moisture absorption and contamination risks. If the product solidifies due to low temperatures, place the entire drum in a room at 20~35°C for natural warming, or use indirect heating with a water bath not exceeding 50°C, stirring periodically; avoid localized overheating.

Precautions

  • Seal and Protect from Moisture: The product is hygroscopic. After opening the drum and taking out material, immediately reseal it to avoid prolonged exposure to air, which may cause moisture absorption or caking.
  • Low-Temperature Handling: Solidification at low temperatures is normal. Do not use open flame heating or direct steam injection; use indirect water heating to slowly melt and stir evenly.
  • Shelf Life Reference: 2 years is an industry empirical suggestion; the specific shelf life should be based on the expiration date indicated on the product label or Certificate of Analysis (COA).
  • Keep Away from Incompatible Substances: The storage area should be segregated and effectively isolated from strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizers.
  • Compliant Disposal: Expired products must not be dumped arbitrarily; they should be handed over to qualified waste disposal operators for compliant disposal.