Question

What are the main characteristics of OP-13 octylphenol ethoxylate?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-13辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-13 is a highly hydrophilic nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 14.5, featuring outstanding emulsifying power, strong penetration ability, and excellent chemical stability as its core advantages.

Detailed Description

OP-13 octylphenol ethoxylate (CAS No.: 9036-19-5) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant produced by the condensation of octylphenol with about 13 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a colorless to light yellow oily liquid or paste, with an active matter content ≥99%. Its molecular structure, with optimized proportions of hydrophilic groups (polyoxyethylene chain) and hydrophobic groups (octylphenyl group), endows the product with strong hydrophilicity and a high cloud point (105~115°C), maintaining excellent surface activity even in high-temperature and high-concentration electrolyte systems.

The core functions of this product cover four major aspects: first, excellent emulsifying efficiency, rapidly reducing oil-water interfacial tension to form stable and fine emulsions; second, strong wetting and penetrating power, with a penetration time of about 30 seconds by canvas sinking method and surface tension of only 30~32 mN/m; third, outstanding dispersing and detergency properties, effectively suspending and dispersing solid particles and preventing soil redeposition; fourth, superior chemical stability, maintaining stable performance over a wide range of acid-base conditions and high hardness water, with excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.

With its critical micelle concentration (CMC) as low as 0.1~0.3 g/L, a neutral pH (5.0~7.0) for 1% aqueous solution, and easy biodegradability, OP-13 has extensive and mature applications in various fields including industrial and household cleaning, textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, emulsion polymerization, metalworking fluids, leather degreasing, papermaking, and coatings and inks.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemNumerical Value
Ionic TypeNonionic
Appearance (25°C)Colorless to light yellow oily liquid or paste
Active Matter Content≥99%
HLB Value14.5
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)105~115°C
Surface Tension (25°C)30~32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)0.1~0.3 g/L
Penetrating Power (Canvas Sinking Method)About 30 seconds
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Density (25°C)1.06 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)2000~4000 mPa·s
Hydroxyl ValueAbout 72 mgKOH/g
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Flash Point>150°C
Foaming PropertyMedium foaming
SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Chemical StabilityStable, resistant to acids and bases

Application Recommendations

Industrial Cleaning Field: As a core component of efficient degreasers, recommended addition amount is 2%~10%, suitable for heavy-duty cleaning of metal hard surfaces and fabric degreasing. It can be used with alkaline additives to enhance cleaning effect. Its alkali resistance ensures stable performance even in strong alkaline formulations.

Textile Printing and Dyeing: When used as a scouring agent and penetrant, recommended dosage is 1~5 g/L, significantly improving fiber wettability and dye levelness; as a leveling agent, it helps reduce color spots and improve fabric hand feel.

Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifying adjuvant, recommended addition amount is 3%~8% (based on oil phase), capable of stably dispersing oil-soluble active ingredients into water to form a uniform emulsion, enhancing the spreading and adhesion of the liquid on plant leaves.

Emulsion Polymerization: Suitable for emulsion polymerization of monomers such as vinyl acetate and acrylates, recommended dosage is 1%~4% of total monomer, allowing precise control of particle size and improving storage stability of the polymer emulsion.

Metalworking Fluids: As a multi-functional additive in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, providing cleaning, lubrication, and anti-rust functions, recommended addition amount is 3%~10%.

Coatings and Inks: As a pigment wetting and dispersing agent, recommended dosage is 0.5%~5% of pigment weight, effectively promoting pigment deflocculation and stable dispersion, improving coating leveling and gloss.

Precautions

  • This product is irritating to skin (Category 2) and eyes (Category 2A). Wear protective gloves and goggles during operation, and wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • Toxic to aquatic organisms (H401), with fish LC50 (96h) of 1–10 mg/L and daphnia EC50 (48h) of 1–10 mg/L. Do not discharge product directly into water bodies or the environment.
  • The product is hygroscopic; keep container tightly closed, store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, recommended storage temperature 20~40°C, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.
  • Melting point approx. 20~25°C; may be paste-like or solidify at low temperatures. Heat appropriately to restore fluidity before use, but avoid overheating to prevent decomposition.
  • Operate in a well-ventilated area; avoid inhaling vapor or mist. For more detailed safety information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).