Question

How to use Oleyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether OV-5?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 油醇聚氧乙烯醚OV-5

Oleyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether OV-5 is a nonionic W/O emulsifier (HLB value 9). It should be added directly to the oil phase according to the recommended dosage for specific applications, or mixed with the oil phase before use. Safety gloves and goggles must be worn throughout the operation.

Preparation before use and safety protection

Be sure to read the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before operation to understand its GHS classification (Skin irritation H315, Serious eye irritation H319, Respiratory irritation H335). It is recommended to store at 5–35°C, avoid high temperature, sunlight exposure, and freezing. Before use, check that the product appearance is a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid without stratification or turbidity.

For personal protection, wear chemically resistant gloves (nitrile rubber or neoprene) certified to EN374 standards, sealed goggles conforming to EN166, and impermeable chemical protective clothing. Maintain good ventilation in the operating area to avoid inhalation of vapors or mists.

Usage methods by application area

Cosmetics and personal care products

As a W/O emulsifier or co-emulsifier, the recommended dosage is usually 1%–5% of the total formulation. First dissolve OV-5 in the oil phase, heat to 60–75°C with stirring until completely dissolved, then slowly add the water phase to the oil phase, and homogenize to form a stable W/O system. Suitable for creams, lotions, sunscreen products, cleansers, shampoos, and body washes, it imparts excellent high- and low-temperature stability and a fine skin feel. When used as a solubilizer, it is recommended to pre-mix OV-5 with the fragrance or active ingredient to be solubilized before adding to the water phase.

Industrial and household liquid cleaners

The recommended dosage is 2%–8% of the total formulation. It can be added directly to the cleaner formulation and stirred to mix. As a wetting and emulsifying component, it significantly reduces the surface tension of the system (1% aqueous solution surface tension of about 30 mN/m), enhancing the penetration and stripping ability of oils and dirt. Suitable for metal surface cleaning, hard surface cleaning, and various household liquid detergent formulations. Since this product is easily soluble in oil, it is recommended to mix it with other surfactants before dilution.

Textile printing and dyeing auxiliaries

In scouring agents, the recommended dosage is 1%–3%, in leveling agents 0.5%–2%, and in softeners 1%–4%. In scouring agent formulations, OV-5 provides excellent penetration and emulsification detergency; in leveling agents it promotes uniform dye absorption and reduces color spots; in softeners it acts as an auxiliary emulsifying and dispersing component, improving the uniformity of the finishing effect and fabric hand feel. It can be added directly to the auxiliary formulation and dissolved with stirring at 40–60°C.

Metalworking fluids

In cutting fluids and antirust emulsifying oils, the recommended dosage is 3%–10%. First mix OV-5 evenly with the base oil, then add other components such as rust inhibitors and extreme pressure additives, and finally add water while stirring to form a stable oil-water emulsion system. This product combines emulsification and lubrication functions, reducing the friction coefficient at the processing interface, effectively extending tool life and improving surface quality.

Pesticide formulations

In emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and emulsion concentrates in water, the recommended dosage is 3%–8% (based on total formulation). Mix OV-5 evenly with the technical material and solvent; upon dilution with water, it quickly self-emulsifies to form a uniform and stable emulsion, improving the wetting and spreading performance of the spray liquid on the target surface, thereby enhancing field efficacy.

General operation points

OV-5 is easily soluble in oil. When preparing water-in-oil systems, it should be added to the oil phase first. Since the cloud point is 55–65°C, the system temperature should be controlled not to exceed the cloud point range during operation to avoid product precipitation or reduced emulsification effect caused by excessive temperature. This product is a low-foaming nonionic surfactant, generating less foam under high-shear stirring, making it suitable for processes sensitive to foam. With excellent acid, alkali, and hard water resistance, it can be used stably over a wide pH range of 3–11 without the need for additional chelating agents.

Precautions

  • Addition sequence: For W/O emulsion systems, always dissolve OV-5 in the oil phase first, then slowly add the water phase to the oil phase. Do not reverse the order, as this may cause emulsification failure.
  • Temperature control: The operating temperature should not exceed 65°C (upper limit of the cloud point range); otherwise, the surfactant may precipitate from the system, affecting emulsion stability.
  • Skin protection: This product is classified as GHS Skin irritation category 2. Skin contact during operation may cause irritation. In case of contact, immediately flush with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
  • Eye protection: Classified as Serious eye irritation category 2. If splashed into eyes, immediately open eyelids and rinse with flowing water continuously for at least 15 minutes, and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Environmental discharge: Harmful to aquatic life (H412). Do not discharge into natural water bodies. Waste liquids containing this product should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.
  • Compatibility confirmation: Before large-scale production, it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests to verify the compatibility and emulsification effect of OV-5 with other components in the formulation.

The above recommended dosages are general industry reference ranges (source: Guoli Chemical product application experience data). The specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the actual formulation system. For further technical support or customized application solutions, please contact the Guoli Chemical technical team.