Question

What are the physical and chemical technical parameters of hydrogenated castor oil polyoxyethylene ether HEL-40?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 氢化蓖麻油聚氧乙烯醚HEL-40

The physical and chemical technical parameters of Guoli Chemical's hydrogenated castor oil polyoxyethylene ether HEL-40 cover nearly 30 indicators including appearance, HLB value, pH value, viscosity, hydroxyl value, etc. It is a nonionic surfactant with excellent comprehensive performance.

Detailed Description

Hydrogenated castor oil polyoxyethylene ether HEL-40 (CAS No.: 61788-85-0) is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylation of natural hydrogenated castor oil, with a molecular weight of approximately 2700. It appears as a light yellow to yellow transparent liquid or paste. This product is soluble in water, ethanol and other organic solvents, remains stable and effective under a wide pH range and high hardness water conditions, and has excellent comprehensive properties of emulsification, solubilization, wetting and dispersion.

The HLB value of HEL-40 is between 13 and 15, making it a hydrophilic O/W emulsifier. Its cloud point is greater than 100°C (1% aqueous solution), and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is about 20 mg/L, indicating that it can form micelles at low concentrations for efficient solubilization. The surface tension is 30~35 mN/m (0.1% aqueous solution), effectively reducing the interfacial tension of the aqueous phase and improving wetting and spreading properties.

The product has an active content of ≥99.0%, moisture ≤1.0%, free alcohol content ≤2.0%, and low unsaturation (iodine value ≤2.0). It is chemically stable and hygroscopic. The flash point is greater than 150°C, making it non-flammable and safe. All parameters above are from the actual measurement data in Guoli Chemical's product database.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameSpecification ValueRemarks
CAS No.61788-85-0
AppearanceLight yellow to yellow transparent liquid or paste25°C
Ionic TypeNonionic
Molecular Weight~2700Complex mixture
HLB Value13~15Hydrophilic emulsifier
Active Content≥99.0%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)>100°CHigh temperature resistant system
Moisture≤1.0%
Acid Value≤1.0 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value≤2.0 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value60~75 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value≤2.0 g I₂/100gLow unsaturation
Density1.04~1.06 g/cm³25°C
Kinematic Viscosity500~900 mm²/s25°C
Low Shear Viscosity500~1000 mPa·s25°C
Refractive Index1.456~1.46220°C
Flash Point>150°CNon-flammable
Melting Point23~25°C
Surface Tension (0.1% Aqueous Solution)30~35 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 20 mg/L
Free Alcohol Content≤2.0%
Foaming PropertyMedium foam
SolubilitySoluble in water, ethanol and other organic solvents
Alkali ResistanceGood
Chemical StabilityStable
HygroscopicityHygroscopic
Heavy Metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)≤2 mg/kg
Packaging Specification50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / 1000kg IBC tote

Application Recommendations

With an HLB value of 13~15 and a cloud point greater than 100°C, HEL-40 exhibits excellent solubilizing and emulsifying capabilities in aqueous formulations. It is particularly suitable for transparent water-based systems (such as micellar water, facial sprays, fragrance solubilization) and O/W cream and lotion formulations. For solubilizing fragrances and essential oils, the recommended ratio of HEL-40 to oil-soluble components is generally 3:1 to 5:1, and dissolution can be facilitated by stirring or mild heating. When used as an O/W emulsifier, the recommended dosage is 1% to 5% of the total formulation.

In metalworking fluids, HEL-40 provides both emulsifying and lubricating functions, with a recommended dosage of 5% to 15% of the concentrate. In pesticide formulations, it serves as an emulsifying dispersant, effectively improving the stability of emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and emulsion concentrates. The recommended dosage should be adjusted within the range of 2% to 8% depending on the characteristics of the active ingredient. This product exhibits medium foam, making it also suitable for low-foaming industrial cleaning formulations.

Precautions

  • Operational Protection: Although it is a practically non-toxic product, it is still recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation to avoid prolonged contact with eyes and skin.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature is 5°C to 35°C, sealed and protected from light. The product has a melting point of 23~25°C,