Question

In which industries and processes is OP-10 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether mainly used?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-10辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-10 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether is widely used in eight core industries including industrial cleaning, textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, coatings and inks, leather processing, papermaking, oil field exploitation, and metal processing, playing a key role as an efficient emulsifier, wetting and penetrating agent, and dispersing and detergent agent.

Detailed Description

OP-10 (Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether) is a flagship nonionic surfactant of Guoli Chemical, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid or paste. With its excellent emulsifying, wetting, penetrating, and dispersing properties, OP-10 has become an indispensable core additive in numerous industrial formulations. It has high chemical stability, maintaining stable performance over a wide pH range, is resistant to hard water, and has excellent compatibility with various anionic, cationic, and other nonionic additives.

In the field of industrial and household cleaning, OP-10 is widely used in formulations such as metal degreasers and hard surface cleaners, quickly wetting and emulsifying oil stains, effectively suspending and dispersing dirt particles, and providing both detergency and anti-redeposition functions. In the textile printing and dyeing industry, it serves as a penetrating agent, leveling agent, and wetting agent, helping dye liquor uniformly penetrate fibers, significantly improving dyeing quality and processing efficiency.

Furthermore, OP-10 is used as an emulsifier for emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and oil-in-water emulsions (EW) in pesticide formulations, ensuring uniform dispersion of active ingredients and enhancing formulation stability and adhesion. In water-based coatings and inks, it acts as a wetting and dispersing agent and an emulsion polymerization emulsifier, improving pigment dispersion. In leather processing, it is used for degreasing; in papermaking, for felt washing and waste paper deinking; in oil field exploitation, for crude oil demulsification and acidizing additives; in metalworking fluids, it provides lubrication, cooling, and cleaning functions.

Application Overview

Application IndustrySpecific Process/UseFunction of OP-10
Industrial & Household CleaningMetal degreasers, hard surface cleaner formulationsWetting, emulsifying oil stains, dispersing dirt, preventing redeposition
Textile Printing & DyeingPenetrating agent, leveling agent, wetting agentHelps dye liquor uniformly penetrate fibers, improving dyeing uniformity
Pesticide FormulationsEmulsifier for EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) and EW (Oil-in-Water Emulsion)Ensures uniform dispersion of active ingredients, enhances stability and adhesion
Water-Based Coatings & InksWetting and dispersing agent, emulsion polymerization emulsifierImproves pigment dispersion, prevents sedimentation, enhances storage and application performance
Leather ProcessingDegreasing processRemoves natural and process oils, providing a base for tanning and dyeing
Papermaking IndustryFelt cleaner, waste paper deinking agentCleans felt dirt, promotes ink separation and removal
Oil Field ExploitationCrude oil demulsifier, acidizing additivePromotes oil-water separation, improves acidizing operation efficiency
Metal ProcessingComponent of cutting fluids, grinding fluidsProvides lubrication, cooling, and cleaning functions, extends tool life

Application Recommendations

The recommended dosage of OP-10 in actual formulations varies depending on the application: as the primary surfactant in cleaner formulations, the recommended addition amount is 3%~10%; in pesticide emulsifiers, it typically accounts for 5%~15% of the total formulation; in textile leveling agents, it is generally 1~3 g/L of working solution; as a wetting and dispersing agent in water-based coatings, the recommended addition amount is 0.5%~2% of the pigment weight. The specific dosage should be optimized through experiments based on the actual system and process conditions.

OP-10 can be compounded with nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants as well as various additives. When compounding, it is recommended to first conduct small-scale tests to verify compatibility stability and synergistic effects. For applications requiring low foam, it can be used in combination with low-foaming surfactants or with a defoamer.

Precautions

  • OP-10 is harmful if swallowed (H302); avoid ingestion during operation, and do not eat, drink, or smoke while working.
  • It is irritating to skin (H315) and causes serious eye irritation (H319); wear chemical-resistant protective gloves and safety goggles during operation.
  • It is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412); waste liquids containing OP-10 must not be discharged directly into water bodies or sewers without treatment.
  • It is recommended to store in a cool and dry environment at 5°C to 40°C; suitable container materials include stainless steel, HDPE, or carbon steel lined with epoxy resin.
  • The cloud point is approximately 61-67°C (1% aqueous solution); pay attention to changes in solubility when the operating temperature approaches or exceeds the cloud point.