Question

In which industries and processes is OPE-108 (octylphenol ethoxylate) mainly applied?

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

OPE-108 (octylphenol ethoxylate) is a general-purpose nonionic surfactant widely used in six major industries: coatings and inks, plastics and rubber, adhesives, composite materials, polishing and care products, and printing inks. It plays a key role in processes such as emulsification, wetting, dispersion, lubrication, and interface modification.

Detailed Description

OPE-108 (octylphenol ethoxylate) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant with CAS number 121809-82-3, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its core advantage lies in its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, along with resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable surface activity under demanding process conditions. Furthermore, this product exhibits low foaming tendency, is easy to handle, and shows good compatibility with various resin systems and additive systems, making it a widely adopted general-purpose additive in industrial formulations.

From a functional perspective, OPE-108 primarily serves five roles in various processes: as an emulsifier, effectively reducing oil-water interfacial tension to form stable emulsions; as a wetting agent, significantly improving the spreading and penetration of liquids on solid substrates; as a dispersant, facilitating the uniform distribution and stable suspension of pigments and fillers in media; as a lubricant, reducing melt viscosity and improving processing flowability and mold release; and as a softening agent/leveling agent, imparting a smooth and delicate feel to material surfaces. These functions make it highly flexible and irreplaceable in cross-industry applications.

Application Suggestions

IndustryProcess/ApplicationFunctional Role
Coatings and InksAbrasion resistant agents, anti-scratch additives, matting agents, anti-settling agentsImprove coating surface hardness and smooth feel, enhance pigment dispersion and system storage stability
Plastics and RubberLubrication in PVC and polyolefin processing; pigment dispersion in masterbatchesInternal and external lubricant, reduce melt viscosity, improve mold release and color uniformity
Adhesives and Hot Melt AdhesivesOpen time adjustment, melt viscosity control, thermal resistance optimizationRegulate rheological properties and interfacial wetting, enhance bonding reliability and application window
Composite MaterialsGlass fiber/carbon fiber wetting treatment, fiber surface modificationPromote resin penetration and encapsulation of reinforcing fibers, reduce interfacial voids and defects
Polishing and Care ProductsPolishing waxes, automotive care, floor care formulationsImpart spreadability and cleaning power, form high-gloss protective layer, enhance hydrophobic and anti-soil properties
Printing InksAnti-blocking treatment, improved rub resistancePrevent printed items from sticking together, ensure clarity of patterns and quick drying

Precautions

  • Safety Risks: This product is classified as skin corrosion/irritation category 1B and serious eye damage category 1, and is highly toxic to aquatic life (H400). Must wear corrosion-resistant chemical protective gloves, goggles/face shield, and protective clothing during operation to avoid skin and eye contact.
  • Ventilation Requirements: Use in well-ventilated areas; local exhaust or general ventilation is recommended to ensure airborne concentrations stay below exposure limits.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse at temperatures not exceeding 25°C, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and strong alkalis.
  • Disposal: As a corrosive hazardous waste, must be disposed of by qualified units; do not discharge into sewers, soil, or water bodies.
  • Emergency Measures: In case of skin contact, flush immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes; for eye contact, thoroughly rinse under open eyelids and seek medical attention promptly.