Question

What is emulsifier A-105? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 乳化剂A-105

Emulsifier A-105 is a non-ionic surfactant synthesized from nonylphenol and ethylene oxide, with the core component of nonylphenol polyoxyethylene (10) ether. With excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and detergency capabilities, it is widely used in various industries including pesticides, textiles, industrial cleaning, leather, metal processing, and emulsion polymerization.

Detailed Description

Emulsifier A-105 (CAS: 9004-96-0), also known as oleyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether or polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (Oleth), appears as a light yellow to yellow viscous liquid. This product is produced by addition reaction using nonylphenol and ethylene oxide as main raw materials, belonging to the non-ionic surfactant category. The synergistic effect of ether bonds and hydroxyl groups in its molecular structure endows the product with excellent interfacial activity, showing good tolerance to acidic and alkaline media as well as hard water environments, maintaining stable performance over a wide pH range and under high hardness water conditions.

The core characteristics of this product are reflected in five aspects: high emulsifying power that rapidly reduces oil-water interfacial tension to form stable emulsions; excellent wetting properties enabling fast spread and significantly improving liquid penetration and coverage on solid surfaces; outstanding dispersing ability effectively preventing agglomeration and sedimentation of solid particles; strong detergency with superior removal of oil, wax, and organic residues; and good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants, allowing combined use for synergistic effects.

Technical Parameters

According to the Guoli Chemical product database, the known physicochemical and safety parameters of emulsifier A-105 are shown in the table below. Some refined indicators (such as HLB value, cloud point, hydroxyl value, etc.) currently have no detailed data. For specific values, please contact Guoli Chemical Technical Support Department.

ParameterValue
Product TypeNon-ionic Surfactant
Chemical CompositionNonylphenol Polyoxyethylene (10) Ether
AppearanceLight Yellow to Yellow Viscous Liquid
CAS No.9004-96-0
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD₅₀, rat)>2000 mg/kg
Skin IrritationMild Irritation (single exposure)
Eye IrritationSevere Irritation / Risk of Damage
Skin SensitizationNon-sensitizer
Fish LC₅₀ (96h)1-10 mg/L
Daphnia EC₅₀ (48h)1-10 mg/L
Algae EC₅₀ (72h)>10 mg/L
BiodegradabilityNot Readily Biodegradable
Flash Point (Closed Cup)>150°C
HLB ValueNot Available
Cloud PointNot Available
Hydroxyl ValueNot Available

Application Recommendations

Emulsifier A-105 covers six industrial scenarios. Specific recommendations are as follows:

  • Pesticide Formulations: Used as a high-efficiency pesticide emulsifier for formulating emulsifiable concentrates (EC), oil-in-water emulsions (EW), microemulsions (ME), etc., promoting stable emulsion formation between oily active ingredients and water, improving spreading, penetration, and field application effects, and ensuring storage stability.
  • Textile Dyeing and Finishing: Used in textile pretreatment and dyeing processes as a leveling agent to slow down dye uptake rate for uniform color, and as a detergent to effectively remove oils and stains from fiber surfaces.
  • Industrial Hard Surface Cleaning: Formulated in cleaners for metal, glass, and other hard surfaces, strongly emulsifying and dispersing mineral oils and animal/vegetable fats for rapid soil removal, with good anti-redeposition ability.
  • Leather Processing: Used in degreasing to effectively emulsify natural fats deep within leather fibers, providing mild degreasing without damaging the hide, resulting in soft and full-grained leather.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Used to prepare emulsifiable and microemulsion metalworking fluids, combining base oil with water to form stable working fluids that provide lubrication, cooling, and rust protection, extending tool life.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: Used as the primary emulsifier in emulsion polymerization of monomers such as acrylates and styrene, forming and stabilizing latex particles, controlling particle size distribution, and improving mechanical and storage stability of the polymer emulsion.

Precautions

Eye protection is critical: This product can cause severe eye irritation or corneal damage. Chemical safety goggles must be worn during operation; do not rub eyes. In case of accidental eye contact, immediately flush with running water or saline for 15-20 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.

Environmental disposal requirements: This product is toxic to aquatic organisms (fish LC₅₀ and daphnia EC₅₀: 1-10 mg/L each) and is not readily biodegradable. Emissions to water bodies must be strictly controlled during use and disposal. Waste materials should be properly treated in accordance with local environmental regulations and must not be discharged into sewers or natural waters.

Handling and Storage: Use in well-ventilated areas; wear impermeable gloves and protective clothing. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at temperatures not exceeding 40°C, away from heat sources and open flames. Keep containers sealed after use to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Store separately from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.