Oleth-5 (OV-5) is a versatile nonionic surfactant widely used in five major industries: cosmetics, industrial cleaning, textile printing and dyeing, metalworking, and pesticide formulations, primarily serving key process roles such as W/O emulsification, wetting, penetration, and dispersion.
Detailed Description
Oleth-5 (INCI name: Oleth-5, CAS No.: 9004-98-2) is a nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its molecular structure combines the hydrophobic long chain of oleyl alcohol with the hydrophilic properties of the polyoxyethylene chain, endowing the product with excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, as well as outstanding resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining high efficiency and stability in complex chemical environments.
This product excels in W/O (water-in-oil) emulsification performance, forming fine and stable emulsion structures in creams, lotions, and other systems, improving spreadability and skin feel. In industrial applications, its strong wetting and penetrating effects significantly reduce surface tension, enhancing the ability to remove oils and stubborn dirt. As an intermediate and auxiliary component, OV-5 also plays multiple roles in textile, metalworking, and pesticide formulations, including auxiliary emulsification, leveling, lubrication, and dispersion.
Application Industries and Specific Processes
| Application Industry | Specific Process/Product | Functional Role |
|---|
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | Creams, lotions, sunscreen products | W/O emulsifier and co-emulsifier, providing high and low temperature stability and smooth skin feel |
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | Facial cleansers, shampoos, body washes | Solubilizer, helping to evenly disperse active ingredients and fragrances, enhancing transparency and user experience |
| Industrial and Household Liquid Cleaners | Metal surface cleaning, hard surface cleaning, household liquid detergents | Highly effective wetting and emulsifying component, reducing surface tension, enhancing oil penetration and removal ability |
| Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries | Scouring agents | Providing penetrating and emulsifying detergency |
| Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries | Leveling agents | Promoting uniform dye uptake, reducing color spots |
| Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries | Softening agents | Auxiliary emulsifying and dispersing component, improving finishing uniformity and fabric hand feel |
| Metalworking Fluids | Cutting fluids, anti-rust emulsifying oils | Dual function of emulsification and lubrication, forming stable oil-water emulsion systems, reducing friction coefficient, extending tool life |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, oil-in-water emulsions | Emulsifying and dispersing additives, facilitating rapid self-emulsification of technical materials upon dilution, enhancing wetting and spreading properties of spray solutions, improving field efficacy |
Application Recommendations
- Cosmetic Formulations: It is recommended to use as the primary or auxiliary emulsifier in W/O emulsion systems. Dosage should be adjusted based on the oil phase ratio of the formulation, maintaining emulsion stability under high and low temperature conditions.
- Industrial Cleaning: Better results are achieved when combined with anionic or nonionic surfactants. It is suitable for both alkaline and acidic cleaning systems, and its hard water resistance makes it perform excellently in hard water areas.
- Textile Auxiliary Blending: When used as the core active component in scouring agents and leveling agents, it can work synergistically with other penetrants and chelating agents to improve uniformity in pretreatment and dyeing processes.
- Metalworking Fluid Preparation: With both emulsifying and lubricating functions, it can reduce the amount of additional lubricant needed, while helping to extend tool life and improve surface finish of machined parts.
- Pesticide Formulation Development: Suitable for emulsifiable concentrates and oil-in-water emulsion systems, it effectively promotes self-emulsification and dispersion of technical materials during field dilution, improving spread and adhesion of spray droplets on crop leaves.
Notes
- Irritation and Protection: This product is classified under GHS as Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315), Serious Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319), and Respiratory Irritation Category 3 (H335). During operation, wear nitrile or neoprene protective gloves, sealed goggles or full face shield, and ensure adequate ventilation in the workplace.
- Storage Conditions: Recommended storage temperature is 5–35°C. Avoid high temperature, direct sunlight, and freezing. Keep away from strong oxidizers and keep containers tightly sealed to prevent product deterioration or separation.
- Environmental Safety: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412). Do not discharge into drains, surface water, or groundwater. Collect leaks with inert absorbent materials and dispose of in accordance with regulations.
- First Aid Tips: In case of skin contact, wash immediately with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. For eye contact, rinse continuously for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; dilute by drinking water and seek medical attention promptly.
