Question

How to use Emulsifier A-103, Oleic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ester? What is the recommended dosage?

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

The recommended dosage of Emulsifier A-103 is 1%~5% of the total formulation, and the specific amount should be determined through experiments based on the application system and the emulsified object.

Detailed Description

Emulsifier A-103 (Oleic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ester) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 11.5. It is easily soluble in water and can be dispersed in water to form a stable emulsion. As an O/W emulsifier, it is suitable for dispersing oil phases (mineral oil, vegetable oil, organic solvents, etc.) into the water phase. Before use, check its state: at room temperature, it is a light yellow liquid to paste. If solidification or separation occurs, heat it to 30~40°C to restore fluidity before sampling; this will not affect the performance. The addition method is usually to directly add it to the oil phase and heat for mixing, or slowly add it to the water phase under stirring. For large-molecule oils or high-viscosity systems that are difficult to emulsify, it is recommended to use the "emulsifier-in-oil" method: dissolve the emulsifier in the oil phase, then slowly add the water phase under stirring to emulsify.

Typical dosage references in various application fields (source: general chemical reference values, specific values should be optimized according to the formulation): recommended addition of 2%~5% in cosmetic creams/lotions; 1%~4% in textile oils; 3%~8% as emulsifying lubricating component in metalworking fluids; 5%~10% as emulsifier in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates; 2%~6% in industrial cleaners; 2%~5% in leather fatliquors. The above are empirical reference values; the actual dosage should be determined through orthogonal experiments or formulation optimization based on factors such as formulation compatibility, required emulsion stability, and cost control.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTypical Value
Ionic TypeNonionic
HLB Value11.5
Appearance (25°C)Light yellow liquid to paste
Active Content≥99%
Monoester Content≥95%
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)5.0~9.0
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)70~85°C
Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution, 25°C)30~35 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C)1×10⁻⁴~5×10⁻⁴ mol/L
Freezing Point<-10°C

Application Recommendations

Emulsifier A-103 has a wide range of applications. The following are suggested usage methods and reference dosages for different systems:

  • Cosmetic creams/lotions: Add A-103 to the oil phase and preheat to 70~75°C. Preheat the water phase to the same temperature. Slowly add the water phase to the oil phase with high-speed stirring (or homogenization), and cool to form a stable emulsion. Reference dosage: 2%~5% of total formulation.
  • Metalworking fluids: Mix A-103 with base oil, rust inhibitors and other oily components uniformly, then add water under stirring to form a translucent or milky microemulsion. Reference dosage: 3%~8% of total concentrate.
  • Textile oils/levelling agents: Directly blend with lubricants, antistatic agents, etc., or dilute to the required concentration before use. Reference dosage: 0.5%~2% in working solution, 2%~4% in concentrated oil.
  • Pesticide emulsifiable concentrates/microemulsions: Mix uniformly with active ingredients and solvents, and spontaneously form a stable emulsion upon dilution with water. Reference dosage: 5%~10% of total formulation.
  • Industrial cleaners: Blend with detergents, corrosion inhibitors, etc., for heavy oil and grease cleaning. Reference dosage: 4%~8% in concentrate, 0.5%~1% in working solution.

Precautions

  • Safety protection: Wear chemical safety goggles, impermeable gloves and protective clothing during operation. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. This product is classified as GHS Skin Irritation Category 2, Serious Eye Irritation Category 2, with hazard statements H315 and H319.
  • Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at a temperature of 5~35°C. Avoid freezing. Keep containers tightly closed and away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. If solidified at low temperature, heat to melt and mix well before use.
  • Chemical stability: The product is stable under normal conditions, but easily hydrolyzed in strong acid or strong alkali media. Pay attention to the pH value of the system during use and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme pH conditions.
  • Environmental requirements: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412). Do not discharge wastewater containing this product directly into water bodies. Collect the cleaning liquid after use and dispose of it in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
  • Compatibility test: When first used in a new formulation, it is recommended to conduct a small-scale test to verify compatibility and emulsification effect. Confirm no adverse phenomena such as stratification, flocculation, or precipitation before batch use.