Question

How to use OP-30 octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-30辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

The use of OP-30 octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether depends on the specific application scenario to determine the dosage and feeding method. As a high HLB value (17) water-soluble emulsifier, its core usage method is: pre-dissolve in warm water and add by metering, with a typical recommended dosage of 1% to 10% of the total formula.

Detailed Description

1. Dissolution and Pretreatment Methods

OP-30 is a white to light yellow waxy solid or paste at room temperature (melting point about 45~55°C). Before feeding, pretreatment is usually required to facilitate operation and accurate measurement:

  • Warm water dissolution method: Add OP-30 to warm water at 40~60°C, stir at medium-low speed (avoid entraining excessive air), and after complete dissolution, form a transparent or slightly turbid liquid, then add to the main reaction system or working solution. This method is suitable for the preparation of water-based products, such as textile auxiliaries, water-based cleaning agents, etc.
  • Direct melting method: In a reactor or mixing tank with a heating jacket, heat OP-30 to 50~70°C to melt it into a flowable liquid, then add to the oil phase or other liquid components and stir evenly. This method is suitable for the preparation of oil-based systems such as emulsion polymerization and pesticide emulsifiable concentrates.
  • Blending dissolution method: In formulations of metalworking fluids or leather chemicals, OP-30 can be heated and mixed with other surfactants, base oils, or solvents to achieve uniform dispersion through mutual cosolvent effects.

2. Typical Usage and Recommended Dosage in Various Application Fields

Emulsion Polymerization (Coatings, Adhesives): As a primary or auxiliary emulsifier, OP-30 can be used alone or in combination with anionic emulsifiers (such as sodium dodecyl sulfate). Generally, the dosage is 2% to 5% of the total monomer weight. Usage method: Dissolve OP-30 in part of deionized water to form an emulsifier aqueous solution, add it to the reactor, then dropwise add the pre-emulsified monomer mixture, and carry out the polymerization reaction with the initiator. Since the cloud point of OP-30 is above 100°C and it is electrolyte-resistant, it ensures emulsion stability throughout the entire temperature range of the polymerization process.

Industrial and Household Cleaning Agents: For metal degreasers and hard surface cleaners, the recommended dosage is 3% to 8% of the total formula. Mix OP-30 with builders (sodium carbonate, sodium silicate), chelating agents, and water in proportion. Its excellent emulsifying power and low foam characteristics make it particularly suitable for high-pressure spray cleaning and automatic dishwasher rinse aids.

Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: When used as a scouring agent or penetrant in pretreatment, the working solution concentration is generally controlled at 1 to 5 g\/L. Dissolve the measured OP-30 directly in water and stir well for use. When used as a leveling agent in the dyeing process, the dosage is 0.5% to 2% of the fabric weight. Add it to the dye bath together with the dye at the beginning of dyeing, utilizing its wetting and penetration effects and slowing down the dye uptake rate to achieve level dyeing effects.

Pesticide Emulsifiers: When preparing pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, OP-30 is often used in combination with anionic emulsifiers (such as calcium salts), with the total emulsifier dosage usually being 8% to 15% of the emulsifiable concentrate weight. Preparation method: Mix OP-30 with anionic emulsifier, pesticide technical material, and solvent, stir until homogeneous to form a transparent uniform oil phase. When used, this emulsifiable concentrate can automatically emulsify and disperse into a stable emulsion upon contact with water.

Metalworking Fluids: In water-based cutting fluids and grinding fluids, OP-30 is used as an emulsifier and lubricating component, with a recommended dosage of 5% to 10% of the concentrate weight. Preparation method: Heat OP-30 with base oil, rust inhibitor, and extreme pressure additives to 50~60°C, stir evenly, then add water to dilute to obtain a micro-emulsion working fluid.

Petroleum Demulsifiers: As a surface-active component in composite demulsifiers, the dosage of OP-30 is 10% to 30% of the total demulsifier formula. It needs to be compounded with other demulsifiers such as polyethers and dissolved in solvents like methanol or xylene for use.

Technical Parameters Quick Reference

Parameter Name Value (Source: Guoli Chemical Database)
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellow waxy solid\/paste
Ionic TypeNonionic surfactant
HLB Value17
Active Content≥99%
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)>100°C
Melting Point RangeApproximately 45~55°C
pH of 1% Aqueous Solution5.0~7.0
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Surface Tension (25°C, 0.1%)Approximately 30~32 mN\/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approximately 0.1~0.3 mmol\/L
Foam CharacteristicsLow foaming
Chemical StabilityStable in acids, alkalis, and hard water
Packaging Specification20 kg woven bag

Application Suggestions

  • Combination Synergy: OP-30 can be compounded with nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants in any proportion, with significant synergistic effects. In emulsion polymerization and pesticide emulsifiable concentrate formulations, it is recommended to use OP-30 in combination with anionic emulsifiers at a ratio of 1:1 to 3:1, which can obtain finer particle size and higher emulsion stability than using a single emulsifier.
  • Dissolution Operation Tips: OP-30 is hygroscopic, so the package should be sealed promptly after opening. If the material becomes harder due to long storage, it can be heated in the bag to 50°C to soften before use. When preparing an aqueous solution, add OP-30 to water while stirring; reverse operation should be avoided to prevent clumping.
  • Dosage Optimization Principle: For first-time use, it is recommended to start from the lower end of the recommended dosage range, then gradually adjust based on the test results of emulsion stability, cleaning effect, or wetting and penetration performance. Excessive use may lead to increased viscosity of the system or unwanted foam stabilization effects (even though OP-30 itself is low-foaming, excessively high concentrations may still affect defoaming).

Precautions

  • Safety Protection: OP-30 is harmful if swallowed (acute toxicity category 4), causes skin and eye irritation (H315, H319), and is harmful to aquatic life (H402). Operators must wear chemical splash goggles and chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile rubber gloves). In case of skin or eye contact, immediately flush with running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Storage Conditions: Should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, keep