OP-40 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether (CAS No.: 9036-19-5) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant with 40 ethylene oxide (EO) units. It has a high HLB value and strong hydrophilicity, making it particularly suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. It can be used flexibly, either added directly to the water phase or oil phase, or slowly introduced into the system under stirring. Moderate heating (40~60°C) is recommended to accelerate dissolution and dispersion.
In different application fields, the usage and recommended dosage of OP-40 vary significantly. In emulsion polymerization, OP-40 can be used alone as the primary emulsifier or combined with anionic emulsifiers to enhance emulsion stability. In textile dyeing and printing, it is often used in synergy with other leveling agents and dispersants. In pesticide formulations, the optimal ratio depends on the characteristics of the active ingredient. Due to its excellent chemical stability, it can tolerate acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments and has broad compatibility with other components.
Before use, thoroughly understand the pH, temperature, and electrolyte conditions of the system. OP-40 maintains stable performance under high temperature and high shear conditions but should be used with caution in strong oxidizing environments. It is recommended to conduct small-scale tests before formal production to determine the optimal dosage and addition process.
| Application Field | Role | Recommended Dosage (as % of total formulation) | Key Usage Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsion Polymerization | Primary Emulsifier/Stabilizer | 1.5%~4.0% | Dissolve in the water phase before adding to the reactor. Combining with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) yields better results, providing excellent mechanical and chemical stability to the emulsion. |
| Textile Dyeing and Printing | High-Temperature Leveling Agent/Dispersant | 0.5%~3.0% | Use in combination with other leveling agents in the dye bath to improve dyeing uniformity and prevent dye aggregation. Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing processes. |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsifier/Synergist | 3%~8% | When preparing emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or emulsion in water (EW), mix thoroughly with the active ingredient and solvent to significantly enhance the wetting and spreading ability of the spray. |
| Industrial Hard Surface Cleaning | Detergent/Penetrant | 2%~6% | Combine with alkaline builders and chelating agents. The best cleaning effect is achieved at 40~70°C, with outstanding removal of heavy soils and oily stains. |
| Household Liquid Detergents | Emulsifying/Cleaning Component | 1%~5% | Combine with anionic surfactants like AES and sulfonic acid to improve the overall detergency and foam performance of the formulation. |
| Oilfield Chemicals | Emulsifying Viscosity Reducer | 0.5%~3.0% | Used for viscosity reduction of heavy oil through emulsification. Can be used alone or combined with other additives and injected into the wellbore. |
| Leather Degreasing | Degreasing Agent Component | 2%~5% | Combine with alkaline additives and apply to raw hides at 30~50°C for degreasing. |
| Paper Deinking | Dispersant/Deinking Agent | 0.3%~2.0% | Add during the pulping or flotation deinking stage to promote the detachment and dispersion of ink particles. |
Dissolution and Addition Method: OP-40 is a paste or waxy solid at room temperature (depending on the ambient temperature). It is recommended to preheat and soften it in a 40~60°C water bath before use, or directly dissolve it in warm water before adding to the system. Add it slowly under stirring to ensure uniform dispersion and avoid gelation due to local high concentration.
Combination Recommendations: OP-40 has good compatibility with nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants. In emulsion polymerization, combining it with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., SDS, SDBS) at a ratio of 3:1 to 1:1 can achieve better emulsion particle size and stability. In cleaning formulations, combining it with AES, 6501, sulfonic acid, etc., can improve overall detergency.
Process Temperature Recommendations: OP-40 has a high cloud point (due to 40 EO units) and does not easily precipitate in high-temperature systems. It is suitable for both normal and high-temperature processes. In textile dyeing and printing, it can withstand high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing conditions above 130°C. For cleaning applications, a working temperature of 40~70°C is recommended for optimal cleaning results.