Question

What are the main characteristics of emulsifier A-103 (oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester)?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 乳化剂A-103,油酸聚氧乙烯酯

Emulsifier A-103 (oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester) is a multifunctional nonionic surfactant, with excellent broad-spectrum emulsifying ability as its core feature, combined with outstanding wetting and dispersing properties, chemical stability, low foaming compatibility, and lubricating and solubilizing functions, making it an efficient and economical choice for industrial formulations.

Detailed Description

The chemical composition of emulsifier A-103 is oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester (CAS No.: 9004-96-0), belonging to the nonionic surfactant category. It appears as a light yellow to brownish yellow oily liquid or paste. Its molecular structure provides excellent interfacial activity, enabling efficient emulsification and stable dispersion at low addition levels, making it an indispensable functional additive in many industrial formulations.

The most prominent feature of this product is its outstanding emulsifying power—a broad-spectrum emulsifying ability for various oils and organic solvents, quickly forming stable, fine emulsions that effectively prevent oil-water separation. Additionally, it possesses excellent wetting and dispersing properties, significantly reducing the surface tension of the liquid phase, improving the suspension state of solid particles in the system, and preventing agglomeration and sedimentation. In terms of chemical stability, the product remains active in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, with a stable structure that resists decomposition and failure, allowing it to withstand harsh processing and usage conditions.

Furthermore, emulsifier A-103 has low foaming properties, making it more convenient in practical operations, and it can synergize well with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, offering a wide compatibility range. The product also provides multiple auxiliary functions such as lubrication and solubilization, allowing one raw material to meet various formulation needs, helping to simplify production processes and reduce overall costs.

Summary of Key Characteristics

Characteristic DimensionSpecific Performance
Emulsifying AbilityBroad-spectrum emulsification of various oils and organic solvents, stable and fine emulsions, resistant to oil-water separation
Wetting and Dispersing PropertiesSignificantly reduces surface tension, improves suspension of solid particles, prevents agglomeration and sedimentation
Chemical StabilityResistant to acid, alkali, and hard water, stable structure, adaptable to harsh conditions
Foaming CharacteristicsLow foaming type, easy to handle, reduces defoamer usage
CompatibilityGood synergy with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants
MultifunctionalityCombines emulsifying, lubricating, and solubilizing functions, a single agent for multiple uses
Product FormLight yellow to brownish yellow oily liquid or paste
Ionic TypeNonionic surfactant

Application Recommendations

Based on the above characteristics, emulsifier A-103 is widely used in the following fields:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Primary or co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, and makeup removers, imparting a light skin feel and aiding in even distribution of active ingredients.
  • Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: Used as a component of synthetic fiber oils and leveling agents, improving spinning lubricity and leveling effect, reducing dyeing defects.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Emulsifying and lubricating components in cutting fluids and rolling fluids, extending tool life and improving machining accuracy.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Emulsifier for emulsifiable concentrates and microemulsions, enhancing dispersion of active ingredients and wetting on targets, increasing efficacy.
  • Industrial Cleaners: In water-based or semi-water-based cleaner formulations, effectively removing heavy oil, wax, and organic residues.
  • Leather Chemicals: In fatliquoring processes, imparting a soft and full hand feel to leather and improving extensibility.

Precautions

According to GHS classification, this product may cause skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319), and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). When handling, wear chemical safety goggles, impermeable gloves, and appropriate protective clothing, and use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid release into the environment. Storage temperature is recommended at 5–35°C, keep containers tightly closed, away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. For detailed safety information, refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).