OP-7 Octylphenol Ethoxylate is an excellent non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and cleaning functions, widely used in industrial washing, textiles, pesticides, emulsion polymerization, metal processing, papermaking, and leather industries.
Detailed Description
OP-7, chemical name Octylphenol Ethoxylate (7) (CAS No.: 9036-19-5), also known as Emulsifier OP-7, Polyoxyethylene (7) octylphenyl ether, Octoxynol-7, Triton X-114, etc. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent oily liquid. It belongs to the alkylphenol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant category, produced and sold by Hai'an County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd.
The molecular structure of OP-7 endows it with excellent comprehensive performance: it has strong surface activity, rapidly reducing the surface tension of aqueous solutions, showing outstanding wetting, penetrating, and detergency capabilities. At the same time, the product exhibits remarkable chemical stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water ions, maintaining activity in complex chemical environments with wide formulation adaptability. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is moderate, appearing transparent at room temperature for easy preparation and use.
As a multifunctional surfactant, a single component of OP-7 can meet various process requirements, effectively simplifying industrial formulation design and reducing overall costs. The product has a shelf life of two years when stored in unopened original packaging under suitable storage conditions.
Main Uses
OP-7 is applied in multiple industrial fields, with main uses including:
- Industrial and household liquid detergents – Used as a high-efficiency wetting, penetrating, and emulsifying component to enhance oil removal capability, suitable for formulations such as dishwashing detergents and hard surface cleaners.
- Textile pretreatment – Provides excellent washing and degreasing effects in desizing, scouring, and bleaching processes of gray fabrics, and can also act as a leveling agent to ensure uniform dyeing.
- Water-based pesticide formulations and emulsifiable concentrates – Serves as an emulsifier in emulsion, microemulsion, and emulsifiable concentrate formulations, promoting stable dispersion of pesticide active substances in water or solvents, improving spray liquid adhesion.
- Synthetic emulsion polymerization – Acts as a monomer emulsifier and stabilizer in emulsion polymerization systems such as acrylate, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl acetate-acrylic, controlling latex particle size and ensuring stable polymerization.
- Metal surface cleaning and degreasing – Used in acidic or alkaline cleaning systems to rapidly wet metal surfaces and effectively remove processing oils, anti-rust greases, and solid dirt.
- Metalworking fluid additives – Functions as an emulsifying and dispersing agent in cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and forming lubricants, improving cooling performance and compatibility with extreme pressure additives.
- Papermaking and leather industries – In pulping and papermaking, it accelerates the penetration of cooking liquor; in leather processing, it is used for soaking and degreasing, enhancing treatment uniformity.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Specification\/Property |
|---|
| Product Name | OP-7 Octylphenol Ethoxylate |
| Chemical Category | Non-ionic Surfactant (Alkylphenol Ethoxylate) |
| CAS No. | 9036-19-5 |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent oily liquid |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | ＞150°C (Not classified as flammable) |
| Water Solubility | Dispersible and emulsifiable in water (completely soluble depending on concentration and temperature) |
| HLB Value Property | Moderate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value |
| Shelf Life | Two years (in original sealed packaging, under storage conditions) |
Application Suggestions
When using OP-7 in formulation design, it is recommended to determine the dosage based on specific process requirements. As an emulsifier, it can be used together with other surfactants to achieve better HLB value matching. As a wetting and penetrating agent, a typical dosage of 0.1%–2% can achieve significant effects. The product may become cloudy or solidify at low temperatures, which is a normal physical change; after slowly returning to room temperature, it does not affect usage quality.
Precautions
- Causes eye irritation and mild to moderate skin irritation. Protective gloves and safety goggles should be worn during operation.
- The product is toxic to aquatic life. Do not discharge into drains or surface water bodies.
- Recommended storage temperature between 5°C and 35°C, away from heat sources and strong oxidizers. Avoid long-term contact with copper, aluminum, and other metal containers.
- Prolonged or repeated contact may cause skin defatting and dermatitis. After operation, thoroughly wash exposed areas.
