Question

What are the main industries and processes where OP-7 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether is primarily used?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OP-7辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-7 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether is widely used in six core industries including industrial cleaning, textile dyeing and finishing, pesticide formulations, emulsion polymerization, metal processing, and paper and leather. It is a multifunctional nonionic surfactant integrating emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and detergency functions.

Detailed Description

OP-7 (Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene (7) Ether) has become an irreplaceable key auxiliary in multi-industry formulations due to its moderate HLB value and excellent surface activity. The hydrophobic octylphenol group in its molecular structure forms a good balance with the hydrophilic group of 7 EO chains, enabling outstanding directional adsorption at the oil/water interface, thus achieving efficient emulsification and dispersion.

This product exhibits outstanding chemical stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water ions, maintaining activity in complex industrial environments and offering broad formulation adaptability. Meanwhile, its cloud point characteristic keeps the product transparent at room temperature, facilitating easy blending and use, with excellent penetrability and detergency. A single component can meet multiple process requirements, effectively simplifying formulation design.

According to data from Guoli Chemical, the main applications of OP-7 cover six industry sectors, each serving different functional roles. The following is a detailed explanation.

Detailed Application Fields

IndustrySpecific Process/ApplicationFunctional Role
Industrial and Household Liquid CleaningDishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, fabric liquid detergentsEfficient wetting agent, penetrant, and emulsifier, enhancing oil stain removal capability
Textile IndustryDesizing, scouring, bleaching pretreatment processes; level dyeingDetergent, degreasing agent, leveling agent, ensuring dyeing uniformity
Pesticide FormulationsEmulsion in water (EW), microemulsion (ME), emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulationsEmulsifier, promoting stable dispersion of pesticide active ingredients in water or solvents, improving spray adherence
Emulsion PolymerizationAcrylate, styrene-acrylic, vinyl acetate-acrylic synthetic emulsion polymerization systemsMonomer emulsifier and stabilizer, controlling latex particle size, ensuring stable polymerization process
Metal Surface Treatment and ProcessingAcidic/alkaline cleaning systems, ultrasonic/spray cleaning, cutting fluids, grinding fluids, forming lubricantsCleaning degreasing agent (quickly wetting metal surfaces, removing processing oils and rust preventives); processing fluid additive (emulsification and dispersion, enhancing cooling and compatibility with extreme pressure additives)
Paper and Leather IndustryPulping and papermaking cooking penetration, resin removal; leather soaking, degreasing processesDegreasing agent and wetting auxiliary, accelerating liquid penetration, promoting removal of fatty substances, improving treatment uniformity

Technical Parameters

ParameterSpecification
Product NameOP-7 Octylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether
CAS Number9036-19-5
Chemical TypeNonionic Surfactant (Alkylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether)
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent oily liquid (room temperature); may be pasty at low temperature
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.5 – 7.5
Flash Point>150°C (closed cup), not classified as flammable
Water SolubilityDispersible and emulsifiable in water; complete dissolution depends on concentration and temperature
Shelf LifeTwo years (in original sealed container, cool, dry, and ventilated place)
Recommended Storage Temperature5°C – 35°C

Application Recommendations

Usage Method: OP-7 can be directly added to the aqueous or oil phase with stirring for dispersion, or compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants for synergistic effects. In emulsion polymerization, it is recommended to be added as a monomer emulsifier during the pre-emulsification stage; in metal cleaning formulations, combining with alkaline aids (such as sodium carbonate, sodium metasilicate) can significantly enhance degreasing efficiency.

Compatibility Recommendations: This product has excellent chemical compatibility and can be compounded with various industrial auxiliaries. In pesticide formulations, it is often used in combination with nonionic/anionic emulsifier systems; in textile pretreatment, it can be combined with penetrants, chelating agents, alkali agents, etc., to form a composite working solution.

Precautions

  • Eye Protection: This product is irritating to eyes (GHS Category 2A). Splash-proof safety goggles must be worn during operation. In case of contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Skin Protection: Prolonged or repeated contact may cause defatting and dermatitis. It is recommended to wear nitrile or thick neoprene protective gloves and thoroughly wash exposed areas after operation.
  • Environmental Safety: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects to the aquatic environment. Do not discharge into drains or surface waters. Waste disposal should be carried out by qualified agencies.
  • Low Temperature Storage: The product may become turbid or solidify at low temperatures. This is normal and can be restored slowly at room temperature without affecting product quality or performance.
  • Container Material: It is recommended to use stainless steel, polyethylene, or plastic-lined iron drums. Avoid long-term contact with metals such as copper or aluminum.