Question

What is OPE-108 (opep-108) and what are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 OPE-108(opep-108)

OPE-108 (opep-108) is an octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether nonionic surfactant, primarily used as a high-efficiency emulsifier, wetting agent, and dispersant, widely applied in various industrial fields such as coatings, plastics, adhesives, composite materials, and care products.

Product Overview

OPE-108 (CAS number: 121809-82-3), chemical name: octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (also known as polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether, polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether), is a nonionic surfactant produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, exhibiting excellent surface activity, capable of performing emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, leveling, and softening functions in various media systems.

This product belongs to the alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (APEO) class of surfactants. Its molecular structure combines hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and hydrophobic octylphenyl groups, giving it outstanding directional adsorption ability at the oil-water interface, thus demonstrating excellent interfacial activity.

Main Uses

Coatings and Inks: Used as an anti-wear agent, anti-scratch additive, matting agent, and anti-settling agent, it significantly enhances the hardness and smooth feel of the coating surface, improves leveling and pigment dispersion, and enhances the storage stability of the system.

Plastic and Rubber Processing: As a high-efficiency internal and external lubricant and dispersing aid, it reduces the melt viscosity of materials such as PVC and polyolefins, optimizing processing fluidity and mold release performance; in masterbatches, it serves as a pigment dispersant to improve color uniformity.

Adhesives and Hot Melt Adhesives: Effectively adjusts the open time, melt viscosity, and interfacial wettability of the system, improving bonding strength and application stability.

Composite Materials and Fiber Treatment: Suitable for reinforcing materials such as glass fiber and carbon fiber, acting as a sizing agent and surface treatment aid, promoting resin penetration and encapsulation of fibers, enhancing interfacial bonding strength, and reducing voids and defects.

Polishes and Care Products: Imparts good spreadability and cleaning power to polishing waxes, automotive care, and floor care formulations, forming a high-gloss protective layer and enhancing surface hydrophobicity and anti-soil properties.

Printing Inks: Acts as an anti-blocking agent, preventing adhesion of stacked printed materials, improving rub resistance, and ensuring pattern clarity and fast drying.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Product TypeNonionic surfactant
Chemical NameOctylphenol polyoxyethylene ether
CAS Number121809-82-3
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Emulsifying PerformanceExcellent
Foaming TendencyLow foam
Acid/Alkali and Hard Water ResistanceGood
CompatibilityStrong, can be compounded with various surfactants
HLB ValueNot available
Cloud PointNot available
Hydroxyl ValueNot available

Application Suggestions

Due to its low foaming tendency and excellent compatibility, OPE-108 is particularly suitable for use in industrial formulations where foam control is required. In coating systems, it is recommended to be added as a post-additive during the paint mixing stage, with a typical dosage of 0.1% to 1.0% of the total formulation (specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the actual system). In plastic processing, it can be used as an internal lubricant in combination with other lubricants to optimize processing performance. In adhesive formulations, attention should be paid to the impact of its dosage on open time and initial tack, and it is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through gradient tests.

Precautions

  • Hazard Classification: This product is classified as skin corrosion/irritation category 1B, serious eye damage category 1, and is toxic to aquatic life (hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute hazard category 1).
  • Personal Protection: Must wear corrosion-resistant chemical protective gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles/face shield when handling. Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated hazardous goods warehouse at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep containers tightly closed.
  • Emergency Treatment: In case of skin contact, immediately rinse with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes; in case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately; contain and collect spills with inert absorbent materials, avoiding entry into drains or water bodies.
  • Disposal: Dispose of as corrosive hazardous waste through a qualified treatment facility. Do not discharge into drains, soil, or water bodies.