Question

How to use OP-30 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether? What is the recommended dosage?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-30辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

The recommended dosage of OP-30 varies greatly depending on the application area, generally 1%~10% of the total formula, and the optimal dosage needs to be determined through experimental optimization.

Detailed Description

OP-30 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (CAS No.: 9036-19-5) is a nonionic surfactant with a high HLB value of 17. It appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid (melting point approximately 45~55°C), is easily soluble in water, and has low foaming properties. Before use, it is recommended to pre-dissolve this product in warm water (40~60°C) or disperse it by stirring before adding it to the formulation system to ensure full dissolution and optimal surface activity. Due to its excellent chemical stability, it can be used in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, but direct contact with strong oxidizers should be avoided.

With its superior emulsifying power, wetting and penetrating ability, and dispersing and detergency, OP-30 serves as a key auxiliary agent in various industrial formulations. It can be directly added as an emulsifier to oil/water phase systems or used in combination with other anionic and nonionic surfactants to achieve synergistic effects. As this product is solid at room temperature, it is recommended to soften it in a warm environment before use in winter or low-temperature conditions to avoid directly adding hard lumps that may affect dissolution efficiency.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemValue
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellow waxy solid
Ionic TypeNonionic
HLB Value17
Cloud Point>100°C
Active Content≥99%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Melting PointApproximately 45~55°C
SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Foaming CharacteristicsLow foam
Acid/Alkali StabilityGood (stable in acids, alkalis, and hard water)
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution)Approximately 30-32 mN/m
Packaging Specification20kg woven bag

(Data source: Guoli Chemical Product Database)

Application Recommendations

The recommended dosage of OP-30 in different application fields is as follows (The following dosages are industry experience reference values; the actual optimal dosage should be determined through experiments based on the specific formulation system and process requirements.):

  • Pesticide Emulsifier: When used to formulate emulsifiable concentrates or water-based emulsions, the recommended dosage is 2%~8% (based on the total preparation weight), which can be combined with anionic emulsifiers (such as calcium salt) to improve emulsion stability.
  • Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: As a component of scouring agents, penetrants, or leveling agents, the recommended dosage is 1~5 g/L (working solution concentration), providing wetting and penetrating effects in desizing, scouring, bleaching, and dyeing baths.
  • Industrial and Household Cleaning Agents: When used in metal degreasers or hard surface cleaners, the recommended dosage is 3%~10% (based on total formulation weight); for household liquid detergents, it is typically 1%~5%.
  • Metalworking Fluids: As an emulsifier for water-based cutting fluids and grinding fluids, the recommended dosage is 5%~15% (based on the total concentrate weight), forming a stable microemulsion with base oils.
  • Emulsion Polymerization: When used in emulsion polymerization of monomers such as acrylates and styrene-acrylics, the recommended dosage is 1%~4% of the total monomer weight, effectively controlling latex particle size and improving mechanical stability of the emulsion.
  • Petroleum Demulsifiers: As a component of composite demulsifiers, the recommended dosage is 20~100 ppm (relative to crude oil weight), working synergistically with other demulsifier components.
  • Paper Deinking Agents: The recommended dosage is 0.1%~0.5% (relative to absolute dry pulp weight), promoting ink detachment and dispersion in the wastepaper deinking process.
  • Leather Chemicals: In soaking and degreasing processes, the recommended dosage is 0.3%~1% of the hide weight, accelerating rehydration and removal of natural fats.
  • Coatings and Inks: As a wetting and dispersing agent, the recommended dosage is 0.5%~2% of the total pigment weight, effectively preventing pigment flocculation, floating, and flooding.

Precautions

  • Dissolution Operation: OP-30 is a waxy solid at room temperature. It is recommended to pre-dissolve it by stirring in warm water (40~60°C) to make a pre-dispersion before adding to the main system; direct addition to a large production vessel may result in slow dissolution.
  • Personal Protection: This product is harmful if swallowed (H302), causes skin irritation (H315), and causes serious eye irritation (H319). Wear chemical safety goggles and chemically resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) during handling.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, and keep the container sealed. Melting point is approximately 45~55°C. In high summer temperatures, the product may soften and cake, which is a normal physical change and does not affect performance.
  • Environmental Requirements: Harmful to aquatic life (H402). Do not discharge directly into water bodies; waste liquid must be properly disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
  • Optimal Dosage Experiment: There is no uniform standard for dosage; excessive amounts may increase foaming or costs, while insufficient amounts may result in negligible effects. It is recommended to conduct a gradient dosage small-scale test before application to determine the optimal economic dosage.