Question

What is OP-30 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-30辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-30 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether is a high-performance nonionic surfactant, appearing as a white to light yellow waxy solid or paste. With excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and cleaning properties, it is widely used in more than ten industrial fields including pesticide, textile, cleaning, metalworking, emulsion polymerization, etc.

Detailed Description

OP-30 (CAS: 9036-19-5), chemically known as Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene (30) Ether, is a nonionic surfactant formed by the condensation of octylphenol with ethylene oxide (approximately 30 EO units). Its molecular structure contains both a hydrophobic octylphenyl group and a hydrophilic polyoxyethylene long chain. This unique "amphiphilic" structure endows the product with the ability to reduce surface tension and align directionally at the oil-water interface.

As one of the core products of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., OP-30 is known for its high purity and stable performance across batches. Its core functions include: ① Excellent emulsifying power - capable of forming highly stable emulsions for various oil-phase substances; ② Superior wetting and penetration - rapidly reduces surface tension, promoting liquid penetration into tiny pores; ③ Efficient dispersing and cleaning power - prevents particle aggregation through steric hindrance effect, while possessing strong detergency; ④ Outstanding chemical stability - maintains stable performance in high-concentration acid/base solutions and hard water.

This product does not easily dissociate in water and is not affected by calcium and magnesium ions in hard water. It has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, making it an ideal choice for multifunctional additives in industrial formulations.

Main Applications

The applications of OP-30 span multiple important industrial fields. The following are its core uses:

Application FieldSpecific UseFunction
Pesticide FormulationsPreparation of organophosphorus, pyrethroid and other pesticide emulsifiable concentrates and emulsions in waterEmulsifier, Wetting agent
Textile Dyeing and PrintingDesizing, scouring, bleaching and dyeing processes of grey fabricWetting agent, Penetrant, Leveling agent
Industrial and Household CleaningMetal surface degreasing, hard surface cleaning, household liquid detergentsEmulsifier, Detergent, Dispersant
Metalworking FluidsPreparation of water-based cutting fluids and grinding fluidsEmulsifier, Lubricating component
Emulsion PolymerizationEmulsion polymerization of monomers such as acrylates, styrene-acrylic, etc.Emulsifier, Micelle nucleation aid
Petroleum IndustryCrude oil dehydration and desaltingDemulsifier active component
Paper IndustryDeinking of waste paper, felt cleaning, resin controlWetting agent, Emulsifier, Dispersant
Leather ProcessingSoaking, degreasing and other wet processing stagesWetting penetrant, Emulsifier
Coatings and InksPigment wetting and dispersion, preventing flocculation and floodingWetting and dispersing agent

Application Recommendations

Recommended usage of OP-30 in different application scenarios: In emulsion polymerization, the recommended dosage is 1% to 4% of the total monomer weight. It can be used alone or compounded with anionic emulsifiers to obtain better particle size and stability. In pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, the typical dosage is 5% to 15% of the total formulation weight. Compounding with anionic emulsifiers (such as calcium salts) yields better results. In cleaning agent formulations, the recommended dosage is 2% to 10% of the total formulation weight. It can be used synergistically with nonionic and anionic surfactants to enhance detergency.

Precautions

  • Safety Hazards: Harmful if swallowed (H302), causes skin and eye irritation (H315, H319), harmful to aquatic life (H402). Wear chemical safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective clothing during operation.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Keep container tightly closed, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. Avoid high temperatures or freezing.
  • Environmental Control: Do not discharge the product directly into sewers or water bodies. In case of spillage, contain with inert absorbent material.
  • First Aid Measures: In case of skin contact, wash with plenty of water and soap. In case of eye contact, rinse with running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Complete Safety Information: The above is only a safety summary. Please refer to the product's full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information.