Question

How to use OP-7 octylphenol ethoxylate?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 OP-7辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚

OP-7 octylphenol ethoxylate is a general-purpose nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 11.7. It can be directly dispersed in water or oil phase at room temperature and is widely used in industrial cleaning, textiles, pesticides, emulsion polymerization, and many other fields.

Detailed Instructions

OP-7 octylphenol ethoxylate (CAS number: 9036-19-5) has an HLB value of 11.7, making it a nonionic surfactant with a moderate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. Its cloud point ranges from 25~35°C. At room temperature, it can be dispersed and emulsified in water, with the degree of complete dissolution depending on concentration and temperature. At room temperature, the product is a viscous liquid and is recommended to be used in environments above 15°C. If the product becomes cloudy or solidifies at low temperatures, it can slowly recover at room temperature without affecting its performance.

According to the Guoli Chemical product database, OP-7 is suitable for various industrial formulation systems. This product can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, demonstrating outstanding stability against acids, alkalis, and hard water ions, maintaining activity in complex chemical environments. When preparing the actual solution, it is recommended to pre-mix OP-7 with the oil phase components of the formulation, then gradually add the water phase, or directly disperse it into water under stirring.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemValueRemarks
HLB Value11.7Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value
Cloud Point25~35°CKey parameter affecting dissolution state
AppearanceColorless to light yellow liquidMay appear paste-like depending on temperature
Active Content≥99%High-purity product
pH Value (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0Weakly acidic to neutral
Density (25°C)1.05~1.07 g/cm³
Surface Tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C)Approximately 30 mN/mIndicates excellent wetting and penetration ability
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC, 25°C)Approximately 0.2 mmol/LSurfactant activity can be achieved at low concentrations
Flash Point (Closed Cup)Approximately 230°CNot classified as flammable
Foam PerformanceLow foamingSuitable for spray cleaning systems
Alkali ResistanceAlkali resistantSuitable for alkaline cleaning formulations

Application Recommendations

Industrial and household liquid detergents: Used as a wetting, penetrating, and emulsifying component to enhance the formulation's ability to remove oily soils. Typically compounded with anionic surfactants (e.g., LAS, AES), with OP-7 added as a nonionic auxiliary.

Textile pretreatment: Provides washing and degreasing effects during desizing, scouring, and bleaching processes, while acting as a leveling agent to ensure dyeing uniformity. Can be used in alkaline baths, leveraging its alkali resistance.

Pesticide emulsifiers: Used in formulations of water emulsions, microemulsions, and emulsifiable concentrates to promote stable dispersion of active pesticide ingredients. It is recommended to compound with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., pesticide emulsifier 500#) for optimal emulsification results.

Emulsion polymerization: Serves as a monomer emulsifier and stabilizer in systems such as acrylate, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl acetate-acrylic, controlling latex particle size. Can be used alone or in synergy with anionic emulsifiers.

Metal cleaning and degreasing: Quickly wets metal surfaces in acidic or alkaline cleaning systems, effectively removing processing oils and anti-rust greases. Works best with ultrasonic cleaning, and its low-foaming property is particularly suitable for spray cleaning processes.

Metalworking fluids: Acts as an emulsifier and dispersant in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, improving cooling performance and compatibility with extreme pressure additives.

Paper and leather industries: Accelerates the penetration of cooking liquor, promoting the removal of resins and oils; used in soaking and degreasing processes in leather processing.

Regarding specific recommended dosages: The Guoli Chemical database does not provide specific dosage parameters for each application field. In practical use, the addition amount of OP-7 is generally determined based on formulation objectives and process conditions, typically ranging from 0.1% to 5% of the total formulation. It is recommended that users verify the optimal dosage through small-scale experiments or contact the Guoli Chemical technical team for formulation support tailored to specific application scenarios.

Precautions

  • Wear splash-proof safety goggles and chemical-resistant protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber or thick neoprene gloves) during operation to avoid direct contact with eyes and skin.
  • Maintain good ventilation in the workplace. Although the product is not classified as flammable, it may decompose when in contact with strong oxidizers.
  • Avoid discharging the product into sewers or surface waters, as it is toxic to aquatic organisms.
  • Recommended storage temperature is between 5°C and 35°C. The product may become cloudy or solidify at low temperatures but can recover at room temperature without affecting quality.
  • Use sealed containers such as stainless steel, polyethylene, or plastic-lined iron drums for storage; avoid long-term contact with metals such as copper or aluminum.
  • Under original sealed and proper storage conditions, the shelf life is two years.
  • Strictly prohibited for use as a food additive or direct application to the human body.