Question

How to use OP-10 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-10辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

The usage method of OP-10 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether varies by application field. It is usually added directly to the formulation system in the form of a diluted solution, with a recommended concentration range of 0.1%~10% (based on active matter). The specific dosage should be optimized according to process requirements and formulation system.

Detailed Description

OP-10 is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 13.5, a cloud point of 65~70°C, and is easily soluble in water, quickly dispersing and dissolving in both cold and warm water. Its active content is ≥99%. In practical use, it is usually pre-diluted with deionized water to a 10%~25% stock solution before being quantitatively added to the formulation system. This product is hygroscopic, so care should be taken to seal the container promptly during operation.

According to the Guoli Chemical Product Database, the surface tension of a 1% aqueous solution of OP-10 at 25°C can be reduced to approximately 30 mN\/m, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.24 mmol\/L. This means that excellent wetting, penetration, and emulsification effects can be achieved at very low concentrations. Typically, when the usage concentration reaches above the CMC, the product can provide stable emulsification and dispersion effects. For general cleaning and wetting purposes, an effective working concentration ranging from 0.05% to 0.5% is sufficient; however, for high-demand industrial applications such as pesticide emulsification and crude oil demulsification, the dosage may need to be increased to 3%~8%.

In terms of formulation compatibility, OP-10 can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants to produce synergistic effects. For example, in cleaning agent formulations, it is often compounded with anionic surfactants such as sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and sodium alcohol ether sulfate (AES), which can both enhance detergency and reduce the system's sensitivity to hard water. However, it should be noted that the cloud point effect of nonionic surfactants can affect performance at high temperatures. When the system temperature exceeds the cloud point (65~70°C), OP-10 will precipitate from the aqueous solution, leading to decreased efficacy. Therefore, attention should be paid to controlling the operating temperature in high-temperature processes.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValueRemarks
Ionic TypeNonionicExcellent compatibility with various additives
HLB Value13.5Suitable for O\/W emulsion systems
Cloud Point65~70°CPhase separation occurs above this temperature
Active Content≥99%Data source: Guoli Chemical Database
pH of 1% Aqueous Solution5.0~7.0Nearly neutral, wide applicability
Density1.06 g\/cm³ (20°C)Data source: Guoli Chemical Database
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)30 mN\/mData source: Guoli Chemical Database
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)0.24 mmol\/LData source: Guoli Chemical Database
Penetration Force (0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)Approximately 120 secondsCanvas settling method
Foam CharacteristicsModerate foamSuitable for applications requiring foam control
Alkali ResistanceStable in dilute alkaliCompatible with alkaline additives
SolubilityEasily soluble in waterBoth cold and warm water

Application Recommendations

The following are recommended usage methods and reference dosages for OP-10 in various fields (based on product characteristics data and Guoli Chemical Application Guide; actual dosages should be confirmed through experiments):

Industrial and Household Cleaners

  • Recommended Dosage: 1%~8% of total formulation weight
  • Typical Formulation Example: OP-10 (3%~5%) + Anionic surfactant (5%~8%) + Chelating agent + Additives + Water, used for metal degreasing and hard surface cleaning
  • Usage Method: Add OP-10 and other surfactants sequentially into water and stir evenly. For high-viscosity formulations, it is recommended to preheat OP-10 to 25~30°C before addition to reduce viscosity for easier handling

Textile and Dyeing Auxiliaries

  • Recommended Dosage: 0.1~2 g\/L in working solution, or 2%~10% of total formulation weight
  • Usage Method: When used as a wetting agent, add 0.5~1 g\/L of OP-10 directly into the dye bath to significantly accelerate wetting and penetration of the dye liquor into fibers; when used as a leveling agent, it is recommended to compound with other nonionic auxiliaries such as Peregal O for better results

Pesticide Emulsifiers

  • Recommended Dosage: 5%~12% of emulsifiable concentrate formulation
  • Usage Method: Usually compounded with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., Agricultural Emulsifier 500# series), OP-10 provides excellent emulsion stability. Mix crude oil, solvent, and emulsifier evenly under stirring. OP-10 can be completely dissolved in organic solvents at room temperature

Waterborne Coatings and Inks

  • Recommended Dosage: 0.2%~2% of total formulation weight
  • Usage Method: As a pigment wetting and dispersing agent, add during the grinding stage to help deflocculate pigments and prevent sedimentation. It is recommended to first dilute OP-10 with a small amount of water before adding to the grinding slurry

Crude Oil Demulsification and Metalworking Fluids

  • Recommended Dosage: 10~100 ppm (based on crude oil volume) in crude oil demulsifiers, 1%~5% of total formulation in metalworking fluids
  • Usage Method: In oilfield applications, compound OP-10 with other demulsifier components and inject into the crude oil pipeline via a metering pump; in cutting fluid formulations, OP-10 provides triple functions of emulsification, lubrication, and cleaning

Precautions

  • Hazard Warning: According to the Guoli Chemical Safety Data Sheet, OP-10 is harmful if swallowed (H302), causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319), and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H412)
  • Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber), protective clothing, and chemical safety goggles during operation; wear a face shield if there is a risk of splashing