OP-13 should be added at a ratio of 0.2% to 10% based on the application scenario, and can be dissolved in the system by stirring or heating.
Detailed Description
OP-13 (octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether) is a non-ionic surfactant, appearing as a colorless to light yellow oily liquid or paste, with an active content of ≥99%. It has excellent wetting, penetrating, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. As a high-concentration product, it is usually diluted at a certain ratio or directly stirred and dispersed into the formulation system before use. This product is easily soluble in water. The dissolution speed and effect in the aqueous phase are affected by temperature. Appropriate heating (e.g., 40-50°C) can significantly accelerate its dissolution and dispersion. Especially for paste samples, warming makes them easier to handle and measure.
Application methods include direct addition and premixing. The direct addition method involves slowly adding OP-13 into a stirred liquid system in a reactor or mixing tank, which is suitable for most batch industrial processes. The premixing method involves first mixing OP-13 with oil-phase components (such as mineral oil, solvents, or organic solvents) in the formulation, and then slowly adding the mixture into the water phase under stirring. This method is often used in scenarios requiring finer and more stable emulsion droplet sizes.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Typical Value | Remarks |
|---|
| HLB Value | Approximately 14.5 | Strong hydrophilicity, suitable for O/W emulsions and aqueous systems |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | 105~115°C | Stable under high-temperature systems, no precipitation at low temperatures |
| Active Content | ≥99% | High concentration, accurate measurement required during use |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 | Near neutral, little impact on system pH |
| Surface Tension (0.1% at 25°C) | Approximately 30~32 mN/m | Strong ability to reduce surface tension |
| Penetration (Canvas settling method) | Approximately 30 seconds | Fast penetration, suitable for efficient wetting |
| Foam Characteristics | Medium foam | Suitable for formulations requiring foam control |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water | Miscible with alcohols, ketones, and other organic solvents |
Application Recommendations
For different application scenarios, the recommended dosage and method of OP-13 are as follows:
- Industrial and Household Cleaners: Recommended dosage is 2% to 10% of the total formulation. Under stirring, add OP-13 to water. It can be used in combination with anionic surfactants (such as LAS, AES) and auxiliaries (such as triethanolamine, potassium pyrophosphate) to formulate multi-functional degreasing, heavy-duty detergent liquids or powdered cleaners.
- Textile Scouring Agent, Penetrant, Leveling Agent: Recommended dosage is 0.5 to 3 g/L (based on working solution volume). Dissolve in water first in a dyeing bath or pretreatment tank before adding other auxiliaries. It can be used in one-bath desizing-scouring-bleaching or dyeing processes for cotton and polyester-cotton fabrics, effectively improving capillary effect and leveling.
- Pesticide Emulsifier: Recommended dosage is 3% to 10% of the technical material. Thoroughly mix OP-13 with the oil-phase technical material or solvent to be emulsified, then slowly pour into water under stirring to obtain a stable emulsion, improving the spreading and adhesion of the pesticide solution on leaves.
- Emulsion Polymerization: Recommended dosage is 1% to 4% of total monomer. Can be used alone or in combination with anionic emulsifiers. Predissolve in the aqueous phase and add before polymerization to achieve monomer pre-emulsification, effectively controlling latex particle size and storage stability of the polymer.
- Metalworking Fluids: Recommended dosage is 5% to 15% in the concentrate formulation. As an emulsifier and lubricity component, combined with other oil-based agents and rust inhibitors, it can formulate semi-synthetic or fully synthetic cutting fluids with cooling, lubrication, and cleaning functions.
- Leather Degreasing Agent: Recommended dosage is 1% to 2% of the degreasing bath weight. OP-13 can gently remove natural grease from raw hides, suitable for degreasing before soaking and liming processes.
- Papermaking Additives: For waste paper deinking, recommended dosage is 2 to 5 kg per ton of pulp; for coating dispersion, recommended dosage is 0.1% to 0.5% of pigment dry weight. It can improve ink removal efficiency and pulp brightness.
- Coatings and Inks: Recommended dosage is 1% to 5% of pigment mass. Add during the grinding stage to quickly wet pigment particles, promote deflocculation, prevent floating and flooding, and improve coating gloss and adhesion.
Precautions
- Operation Safety: OP-13 is irritating to skin and eyes (GHS classification 2/2A). Wear nitrile or neoprene gloves, safety goggles, and use in a well-ventilated area during operation. In case of skin or eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Storage Conditions: Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers. The product has some hygroscopicity; after opening, it should be promptly resealed. Recommended storage temperature is between 5-30°C, avoid freezing (melting point approximately 20-25°C) or prolonged high-temperature exposure.
- Compatibility: OP-13 has good chemical stability and can be well compounded with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants. It maintains performance in strong acids, strong alkalis, and high-hardness water, but small-scale compatibility tests are recommended before formulation.
- Environmental Protection: Toxic to aquatic organisms (Hazardous to the aquatic environment - Acute Category 2). Do not discharge the product directly into sewers, surface water, or groundwater. Waste liquid and rinsing water containing this product should be collected and treated harmlessly according to local regulations.
