OP-4 is a low-foaming nonionic surfactant, characterized by excellent lipophilicity and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying ability, combined with outstanding chemical stability and broad industrial applicability.
Detailed Description
OP-4 (Octylphenol Ethoxylate (4) Ether) is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as a light yellow to yellow oily liquid, with CAS number 9036-19-5. Its molecule has an ethylene oxide addition number n≈4, making its lipophilicity significantly stronger than its hydrophilicity. It dissolves in oils and organic solvents and disperses in water. This structural feature gives it excellent water-in-oil emulsifying ability, effectively dispersing water into the oil phase to form a stable W/O emulsion.
This product exhibits outstanding chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, and is not easily decomposed or deactivated at room temperature. Another prominent feature is its low foaming characteristic, which is particularly suitable for industrial processes requiring foam control, leaving no significant foam residue after use and reducing defoaming costs. It also offers good wetting, penetrating, and dispersing properties, allowing it to spread quickly on substrates such as fibers and metals, improving processing efficiency and uniformity.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Specification |
|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow oily liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| HLB Value | 8.8 |
| pH Value (1% aqueous dispersion) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Cloud Point | None (insoluble in water) |
| Solubility | Soluble in oils and organic solvents, dispersible in water |
| Density (25°C) | 1.02~1.04 g/cm³ |
| Surface Tension (1% aqueous dispersion, 25°C) | ~28 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C) | ~1.1×10⁻⁴ mol/L |
| Hydroxyl Value | 145~155 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤1.0% |
| Flash Point | >150°C |
| Foaming Characteristics | Low foaming |
Application Suggestions
Based on its strong lipophilicity and low foaming properties, OP-4 excels in the following areas:
- Pesticide Emulsifier: Enhances the dispersion uniformity and leaf wetting and spreading ability of organophosphorus and pyrethroid technical materials in water.
- Textile Dyeing and Printing: Used as a pretreatment penetrant and high-temperature high-pressure leveling agent, reducing processing time and preventing color spots and unevenness.
- Industrial and Household Cleaning: Formulated in metal degreasers and hard surface cleaners, with strong emulsifying and dispersing ability for mineral oils and polar soils.
- Petroleum Extraction and Processing: Used in oil displacement systems for emulsification viscosity reduction and pretreatment for crude oil demulsification and dewatering.
- Leather Degreasing: Effectively emulsifies and removes natural fats between leather fibers during liming and bating processes.
- Metalworking Fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in cutting and grinding fluid formulations, forming stable microemulsions.
- Intermediate for Anionic Surfactant Synthesis: Used in sulfonation and sulfation reactions to produce sulfate ester salts and sulfonate products.
Precautions
- Skin and Eye Protection: H315 causes skin irritation, H319 causes serious eye irritation; wear impermeable gloves, protective clothing, and chemical safety goggles during operation.
- Environmental Protection: H410 is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; do not discharge directly into water bodies; waste must be disposed of by qualified agencies.
- Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature 5°C~40°C, keep containers tightly closed, away from strong oxidizers and strong acids; the storage area floor should have anti-seepage capability.
- First Aid: In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes; for eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention; if ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately.
