G-25 Glycerol polyoxyethylene (25) ether is a highly effective nonionic surfactant. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, is fluid at room temperature (melting point below -10°C), and is extremely soluble in water. Its HLB value is about 13.5, making it hydrophilic and thus excellent in water-based formulations. As a multifunctional additive, its usage mainly revolves around four dimensions: Solubilization (dissolving fragrances and essential oils in water), Emulsification (helping oils disperse in water to form stable emulsions), Dispersion and Lubrication (preventing particle sedimentation and reducing friction), and Moisturization and Antistatic.
Before use, special pre-treatment is generally not required, but due to its hygroscopic nature, it is recommended to use it promptly after opening and keep it sealed. The addition method is flexible; it can be directly added to the water phase with stirring for dissolution, or pre-mixed with oily components. For example, when preparing transparent makeup removers or perfumes, the "oil phase pre-mixing method" is commonly used: first mix G-25 with the fragrance or essential oil in proportion, then slowly add deionized water with continuous stirring to obtain a clear and transparent solubilized system. In emulsion polymerization or cutting fluid preparation, it is often added directly to the water phase, leveraging its excellent chemical stability (resistance to acid, alkali, electrolytes, and hard water).
Due to G-25's extremely low foam and cloud point above 100°C, it is particularly suitable for spray cleaning requiring high cloud points and for high-temperature metal processing. It will not precipitate at high temperatures nor produce excessive foam that interferes with operations. In the textile field, it is usually prepared into an aqueous solution for soaking or padding treatment, providing a soft and smooth feel to fabrics.
| Application Area | Recommended Addition Method | General Reference Dosage (based on total formula weight) | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Solubilizer (Perfume, makeup remover, serum) |
Pre-mix with fragrance/essential oil in a ratio (usually 1:1 to 3:1), then slowly add water with stirring to dissolve. | 0.5% – 3.0% | Highly efficient solubilization, forming a transparent appearance |
| Cream/Lotion Emulsifier | Can be added to the water phase with heating to dissolve, or used in combination with other emulsifiers. | 1.0% – 5.0% | O/W emulsification, system stabilization |
| Metalworking Fluids (Cutting fluids, grinding fluids) |
Add directly to deionized water or base oil with stirring to emulsify. | 5.0% – 20.0% (Depending on concentrate ratio) |
Lubrication, extreme pressure emulsification, hard water resistance |
| Industrial Cleaners | Dissolve directly with deionized water and additives, suitable for spray or immersion processes. | 2.0% – 10.0% | Low-foam wetting, penetrating degreasing |
| Textile Auxiliaries | Prepare a working solution of 0.1% – 1.0% for padding or soaking treatment. | 0.5% – 3.0% | Antistatic, soft and fluffy |
| Emulsion Polymerization/Pesticide Formulations | Add to the aqueous phase of the polymerization reactor or mix into the pesticide oil phase for high-shear emulsification. | 0.5% – 4.0% | Monomer dispersion, spreading and adhesion |
Note: The reference dosages in the table are suggested values based on product characteristics and general industry standards. Since formulations vary significantly, small-scale trials must be conducted before large-scale production to determine the optimal addition ratio.