Question

How to use OP-10 octylphenol ethoxylate? What is the recommended addition amount?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-10辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-10 octylphenol ethoxylate is easy to use and can be directly dissolved in water or oil phase system. The recommended addition amount ranges from 0.1% to 15% depending on the application scenario.

Detailed Explanation

OP-10 octylphenol ethoxylate (CAS number: 9036-19-5) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13.5. It is easily soluble in water and can be rapidly dispersed and dissolved under conventional stirring conditions. According to the Guoli Chemical product database, its 1% aqueous solution has a pH of 5.0~7.0 and a cloud point of 65~70°C. Therefore, it is recommended to control the usage temperature below the cloud point to maintain its good solubility and surface activity. If used in high-temperature systems (such as high-temperature dyeing, hot cleaning, etc.), attention should be paid to the fact that the product will precipitate from the aqueous solution when the temperature exceeds the cloud point, affecting performance.

In terms of usage methods, OP-10 is usually added directly to the aqueous or oil phase as a formulation component and stirred evenly. For emulsion polymerization, it can be pre-dissolved in the aqueous phase and then slowly added dropwise to the reaction system; as an emulsifier for preparing emulsions, it can be dissolved in the aqueous phase or oil phase (depending on the emulsification method) and then formed into a stable emulsion using high-speed shearing or homogenizing emulsification equipment. Due to its strong chemical stability and resistance to hard water, OP-10 can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants to achieve synergistic effects.

Technical Parameters

The following are key performance parameters of OP-10 for reference:

Parameter ItemTechnical IndexData Source
Active Content≥99%Guoli Chemical Database
HLB Value13.5Guoli Chemical Database
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)65~70°CGuoli Chemical Database
pH of 1% Aqueous Solution5.0~7.0Guoli Chemical Database
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)30 mN/mGuoli Chemical Database
Penetration Power (0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)Approximately 120 secondsGuoli Chemical Database
CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration)0.24 mmol/LGuoli Chemical Database
Density (20°C)1.06 g/cm³Guoli Chemical Database
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent liquidGuoli Chemical Database

Application Recommendations

Based on general industry experience, the typical addition amount reference ranges for OP-10 in different application fields are as follows (actual optimal dosage needs to be determined through experiments; the Guoli Chemical Database does not provide specific recommended addition amounts):

Application FieldRecommended Addition Amount Range (Industry Experience Reference)Usage Instructions
Industrial Cleaners/Metal Degreasers1%~10% (of total formulation)Compounded with alkaline additives, chelating agents, etc., added directly to the aqueous phase
Textile Dyeing and Printing Penetrant/Leveling Agent0.5~3 g/L (working solution)Dissolved in water to prepare working solution, used in pretreatment or dye bath
Pesticide Emulsifier5%~15% (of total formulation)Compounded with anionic emulsifiers to prepare emulsifiable concentrate or aqueous emulsion
Waterborne Coatings Wetting and Dispersing Agent0.1%~1.0% (of total formulation)Added during grinding or paint mixing stage to improve pigment dispersion
Leather Degreasing Agent2%~8% (working solution)Used as an aqueous solution in the leather degreasing process
Paper Deinking Agent0.5%~2% (relative to waste paper weight)Added to the deinking tank together with alkali, bleaching aids, etc.
Crude Oil DemulsifierAdjusted according to specific formulationCompounded with other demulsifier components, injected into crude oil emulsion
Metalworking Fluids1%~5% (of concentrate total)Added as an emulsifier and lubricant component into cutting fluid

It is recommended to conduct small-scale tests before use, gradually optimizing the addition amount to ensure the best balance of performance and economy in the specific formulation.

Precautions

  • Personal Protection: Wear nitrile rubber gloves, chemical safety goggles, and protective clothing during operation. Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. H319 Causes serious eye irritation, H315 Causes skin irritation.
  • Temperature Control: The usage temperature should be kept below the cloud point (65~70°C) to avoid product precipitation and failure due to high temperature.
  • Dissolution Operation: It can be directly added to water and stirred at room temperature for dissolution; if the product becomes paste-like due to low ambient temperature, it can be slightly warmed (not exceeding 40°C) to restore fluidity before use.
  • Compatibility Limitations: Avoid direct mixing with strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, hypochlorites).
  • Storage Requirements: Store at 5°C~40°C, keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption, and use stainless steel or HDPE containers.
  • Environmental Discharge: Harmful to aquatic life (H412). Do not discharge directly into water bodies or drains without treatment.