Question

What is Emulsifier A-103, oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 乳化剂A-103,油酸聚氧乙烯酯

Emulsifier A-103 is a non-ionic surfactant with the chemical composition of oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester (CAS No.: 9004-96-0). It appears as a light yellow to brownish-yellow oily liquid or paste, possessing excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties, and is widely used in cosmetics, textiles, metal processing, pesticides, industrial cleaning, leather, and many other industries.

Detailed Description

Emulsifier A-103 (oleic acid polyoxyethylene ester, also known as polyoxyethylene oleate, PEG oleate, polyoxyethylene monooleate) is a non-ionic surfactant produced by the addition polymerization of oleic acid with ethylene oxide. Its molecular formula is C₁₈H₃₃O₂(C₂H₄O)nH. This product can achieve efficient emulsification and stable dispersion at low addition levels. It has broad-spectrum emulsifying ability for various oils and organic solvents, quickly forming stable, fine emulsions, effectively preventing oil-water separation.

The core advantages of this product include: excellent emulsifying power, outstanding wetting and dispersing properties, superior chemical stability (remaining active in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments), low foaming characteristics, and wide compatibility. It works well with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants, offering multiple functions such as emulsification, lubrication, and solubilization. A single raw material can meet various formulation needs.

This product is classified as a low-hazard chemical under GHS (signal word: warning). The main risks include skin irritation (H315), serious eye irritation (H319), and harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Protective gloves and eye protection should be worn during handling, and release into the environment should be avoided.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
AppearanceLight yellow liquid to paste
Ionic TypeNon-ionic
HLB Value11.5
Active Content≥99%
Monoester Content≥95%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~9.0
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)70~85°C
Acid Value≤2 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value80~90 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value80~110 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value40~60 g I₂/100g
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)30~35 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C)1×10⁻⁴~5×10⁻⁴ mol/L
Density (25°C)1.00~1.05 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)100~200 mm²/s
Refractive Index (25°C)1.455~1.465
Flash Point>150°C
Freezing Point<-10°C
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Penetration Force20~60 s
Foaming PropertyLow to medium foam
Chemical StabilityStable, hydrolyzes in acidic and alkaline media
Alkali ResistanceGeneral, not resistant to strong alkali
Heavy Metals (as Pb)≤5 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote

Application Recommendations

With its HLB value of 11.5 and excellent emulsifying performance, Emulsifier A-103 has wide application value in the following six major areas:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as a primary or auxiliary emulsifier in creams, lotions, and makeup removers. It imparts a light skin feel and helps active ingredients distribute evenly. Recommended dosage is generally 1%~5% of the formulation.
  • Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: Used as a component of synthetic fiber oil agents and leveling agents to improve spinning lubrication and leveling effect, reduce dyeing defects, and improve fabric hand feel.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Plays a dual role of emulsification and lubrication in formulations of cutting fluids, rolling fluids, and wire drawing fluids. It provides cooling and boundary lubrication, protects workpieces and tools, and extends tool life.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Used as an emulsifier in emulsifiable concentrates and microemulsions to improve the dispersion of pesticide active ingredients and target wetting, enhancing efficacy and safety of use.
  • Industrial Cleaning Agents: Used to formulate water-based or semi-aqueous cleaners to effectively remove heavy oil stains, waxes, and organic residues, suitable for degreasing and cleaning metal and non-metal hard surfaces.
  • Leather Chemicals: Applied in the leather fatliquoring process to impart a soft and full hand feel to leather, improving extensibility and surface treatment effects.

Precautions

  • Operational Protection: Before handling, chemical safety goggles, impermeable gloves, and appropriate protective clothing must be worn to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area.
  • Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, with temperature controlled at 5~35°C. Avoid freezing or overheating. Keep containers tightly closed, away from strong oxidizers and strong acids/bases.
  • Chemical Stability: Note that the product is prone to hydrolysis in acidic and alkaline media. Avoid prolonged coexistence with strong alkalis. Optimal stability is within pH 5~9.
  • Emergency Handling: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. For spills, absorb with inert materials such as sand or vermiculite and dispose of as hazardous waste. Do not discharge into water bodies.
  • Environmental Requirements: This product is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Wastewater from use must be treated to meet discharge standards and must not be directly discharged into the environment.