Oleth-10 (OV-10) (International INCI Name: Oleth-10, also known as PEG-10 oleyl ether) is a nonionic surfactant obtained by reacting natural oleyl alcohol (hydrophobic backbone) with approximately 10 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a pale yellow transparent liquid with an HLB value of about 12.4, is readily soluble in water, and possesses both good hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, performing particularly well in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. Its unique molecular structure imparts excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties as well as low foam and foam control characteristics. It also offers broad chemical compatibility, maintaining structural stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions.
As a surfactant that balances functionality and mildness, OV-10 provides powerful emulsification and stabilization for a wide range of oils, silicones, and non-polar solvents, enabling the formation of ultrafine, long-term stable emulsions. Additionally, it significantly reduces the dynamic surface tension of aqueous phases, achieving rapid and uniform wetting and spreading, and exhibits excellent dispersing and suspending effects on solid particles and pigments, preventing agglomeration and settling. In terms of foam performance, OV-10 features controlled low foam, making it easy to rinse and particularly suitable for efficient and water-saving industrial cleaning needs.
This product is manufactured by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. with CAS number 9004-98-2. It is classified under GHS07 (Warning) and may cause skin and eye irritation. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used during handling.
| Parameter Name | Technical Index |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Oleyl alcohol ethoxylate (10 EO) |
| CAS Number | 9004-98-2 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance | Pale yellow transparent liquid |
| HLB Value | Approximately 12.4 |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Cloud Point (1% aq. solution) | 65～80°C |
| pH (1% aq. solution) | 5.0～7.0 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 80～95 mgKOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 25～40 gI₂/100g |
| Acid Value | ≤1.0 mgKOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤1.0% |
| Surface Tension (1% aq. solution) | 28～32 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 10～30 mg/L |
| Density (25°C) | 0.98～1.00 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 100～200 mPa·s |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.456～1.460 |
| Flash Point | ≥150°C |
| Water Solubility | Easily soluble in water |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Alkali Stability | Good, stable under general alkaline conditions |
| Free Alcohol | ≤3.0% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
1. Personal Care: As an O/W emulsifier and emollient, suitable for creams, lotions, makeup removers, and shower gels. Recommended dosage is typically 1% to 5% (by weight, according to Guoli Chemical's application technical recommendations). It provides a stable emulsion system with a fine and refreshing skin feel. When compounded with thickeners such as Carbomer or Xanthan gum, it is recommended to pre-dissolve OV-10 in the oil phase before adding the water phase for homogenization to achieve optimal emulsion fineness.
2. Household and Industrial Cleaning Agents: Used as a low-foaming wetting and detergency component, providing rapid penetration and soil removal in hard surface cleaners and liquid laundry detergents. Recommended dosage is 0.5% to 3%. Due to its low-foaming nature, it is especially suitable for formulations of high-pressure spray cleaning and automatic dishwasher detergents.
3. Textile Printing and Dyeing: In high-temperature leveling agents, it promotes uniform dye uptake to prevent uneven coloring; as a dispersant, it effectively disperses dye particles and prevents aggregation. Recommended dosage for leveling is 0.5 to 2 g/L. In finishing processes, it can improve fabric hydrophilicity and hand feel.
4. Pesticide Formulations: As a nonionic emulsifier in environmentally friendly formulations such as emulsions in water (EW) and microemulsions (ME), recommended dosage is 3% to 8%. It ensures formulation storage stability, provides rapid self-emulsifying dispersion upon dilution, and enhances the spreading and penetration of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces.
5. Metalworking Fluids: Used as an emulsifying and boundary lubricating component in semi-synthetic and emulsion-type cutting and grinding fluids. Recommended dosage is 2% to 10%. It forms stable oil-in-water working fluids and prolongs fluid service life.
6. Leather Processing: In degreasing processes, it effectively removes natural fats from hides (recommended dosage 0.5% to 2%). In fatliquoring processes, it aids uniform penetration of oils, enhancing the softness and fullness of leather.