Question

What is Oleth-10 OV-10?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 油醇聚氧乙烯醚OV-10

Oleth-10 OV-10 is a nonionic surfactant prepared from natural oleyl alcohol by ethoxylation reaction. With its balanced hydrophilic-hydrophobic structure characterized by an HLB value of about 12.4, it excels in O/W emulsification, wetting, dispersion, etc., and is widely used in personal care, industrial cleaning, textile printing and dyeing, and many other industries.

Detailed Description

Oleth-10 OV-10 (CAS: 9004-98-2, also known as Oleth-10, PEG-10 oleyl ether, emulsifier OV-10) is a nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical using natural oleyl alcohol as the initiator through precise ethoxylation process. Its molecular formula is C18H35O(C2H4O)nH (n≈10), with an average molecular weight of about 708. Its raw material is derived from natural oil and fat derivatives, offering good biocompatibility and environmental friendliness.

The greatest advantage of OV-10 lies in its balanced molecular design: the long carbon chain of oleyl alcohol (C18, containing one double bond, iodine value 25~40) provides excellent hydrophobic anchoring ability, while the polyoxyethylene hydrophilic chain of about 10 EO units gives it good water solubility and interfacial activity. This structure enables OV-10 to effectively reduce the dynamic surface tension of the aqueous phase (measured surface tension 28~32 mN/m), with a critical micelle concentration as low as 10~30 mg/L, exerting significant emulsifying and wetting effects even at very low dosages. Meanwhile, the product has low foam characteristics, is easy to rinse, and is highly suitable for water-saving industrial cleaning scenarios.

In terms of chemical stability, OV-10 maintains structural stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water systems. It has good alkali resistance, is not easily hydrolyzed or deactivated, and can adapt to various harsh process conditions. The product appears as a light yellow transparent liquid, with an effective content ≥99%, pH of 1% aqueous solution 5.0~7.0, cloud point 65~80℃, flash point ≥150℃, and excellent storage stability (recommended storage temperature 5°C~35°C).

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemIndicator Value
AppearanceLight yellow transparent liquid
Ion TypeNonionic
CAS No.9004-98-2
HLB Value12.4
Effective Content≥99%
pH (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Cloud Point65~80℃
Surface Tension28~32 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)10~30 mg/L
Hydroxyl Value80~95 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value25~40 gI2/100g
Acid Value≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value≤2.0 mgKOH/g
Free Alcohol≤3.0%
Moisture≤1.0%
Density (20℃)0.98~1.00 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity100~200 mm²/s
Refractive Index1.456~1.460
Flash Point≥150℃
Melting Point<-5℃
Foam CharacteristicsLow foam
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Heavy Metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / 1000kg IBC tote

Application Recommendations

Personal Care Products: With an HLB value of 12.4, OV-10 is in the optimal range for O/W emulsifiers, making it an ideal primary emulsifier for creams, lotions, and makeup removers, with a recommended dosage of 2%~5%. It can also be used as a skin-conditioning emollient and solubilizer in body washes and facial cleansers, improving formula transparency and imparting a delicate, refreshing skin feel.

Household and Industrial Cleaners: As a low-foaming wetting and detergency component in hard surface cleaners and liquid laundry detergents, the recommended dosage is 1%~5%, maintaining effective cleaning power even at low temperatures and high oil loads.

Textile Auxiliaries: As a high-temperature leveling agent and dye dispersant, the recommended dosage is 0.5%~3%, promoting uniform dye uptake and preventing dye spots; as a finishing agent, it can improve fabric hand feel and hydrophilicity.

Pesticide Formulations: Used as a nonionic emulsifier in environmentally friendly formulations such as emulsions in water (EW) and microemulsions (ME), recommended dosage 3%~8%, ensuring storage stability of the formulation and enhancing the spreading and penetration ability of the pesticide liquid on plant leaf surfaces.

Metalworking Fluids: Provides excellent emulsifying and lubricating properties in semi-synthetic and emulsifiable cutting oils, recommended dosage 5%~15%, forming stable oil-in-water working fluids and extending service life.

Leather Processing: As a component in degreasing and fatliquoring agents, recommended dosage 2%~5%, effectively removing natural fats from the leather and assisting uniform penetration of oils, enhancing leather softness and fullness.

Precautions

  • Safety: This product is classified as GHS07 Warning chemical, H315 causes skin irritation, H319 causes serious eye irritation. Wear nitrile gloves, protective clothing, and safety goggles during operation, avoiding direct contact with skin and eyes.
  • Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place at recommended temperature 5°C~35°C, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. The product is hygroscopic; seal promptly after opening.
  • Emergency Treatment: In case of skin or eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately. Collect spills using inert absorbent materials and dispose of as hazardous waste; do not discharge into water bodies or drains.
  • Formulation Compatibility: OV-10