Question

How to use isooctanol penetrant OE-35?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 异辛醇渗透剂OE-35

Isooctanol penetrant OE-35 is a highly efficient nonionic surfactant with flexible usage methods. It is typically added directly to the working system in the form of a diluted solution, with core advantages of rapid penetration, low foaming, and broad chemical compatibility.

Detailed Explanation

Isooctanol penetrant OE-35 (isooctanol polyoxyethylene ether) is a high-efficiency penetrant produced by Guoli Chemical, with high active content (≥99%) and excellent water solubility. In industrial applications, it mainly serves as a functional additive, utilizing its extremely low surface tension (approx. 30 mN/m) and outstanding wetting ability (penetration ≤10 seconds) to quickly carry other functional chemicals into the microscopic pores of the treated material. Its low-foaming characteristic makes it ideal for high-speed circulation or spray systems, minimizing foam interference with mechanical operation and significantly reducing rinsing difficulty and water consumption.

As a nonionic surfactant, OE-35 has excellent chemical compatibility, tolerating conventional concentrations of acids, alkalis, and electrolytes, and is unaffected by hard water. This makes it a "synergist" in multi-field formulations, capable of good compounding with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic auxiliaries. When used, generally no complex premixing steps are required; it can be added directly to water or working solution under stirring to form a uniform clear solution and exert its effectiveness.

Since no specific recommended dosages for various fields are available in the database, the dosage references in the "Application Suggestions" section below are based on Guoli Chemical's technical experience and common industry formulation practices. When using, it is recommended to determine the optimal economical dosage through small-scale experiments based on specific working conditions, substrates, and equipment conditions.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameValue/Specification
Ionic TypeNonionic
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow liquid
Active Content≥99%
HLB Value13.5
Cloud Point>100°C
Penetration Ability≤10 seconds
pH (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
Alkali ResistanceGood
Foaming CharacteristicLow foaming

Application Suggestions

Textile Dyeing and Finishing Pretreatment: Can be used in desizing, scouring, and bleaching processes. Typical recommended dosage is 0.5 – 3 g/L. Directly add OE-35 to deionized or soft water and stir evenly, then add other auxiliaries (e.g., alkali, hydrogen peroxide). Its extremely fast penetration ensures instant wetting of fabrics in high-speed dyeing machines or continuous processing equipment, improving whiteness and capillary effect.

Leather Processing: In soaking and degreasing stages, generally add at 0.3% – 1.0% based on leather weight. Directly add to drum water, use together with soda ash or degreasing agent to accelerate fiber softening and oil emulsification removal, and help maintain fine grain surface without damaging the leather surface.

Metal Surface Cleaning: As a powerful penetrating component, it is recommended to add 2% – 10% in cleaning concentrate formulations. Suitable for both acidic and alkaline cleaning agents, it drives the cleaning solution into tightly adhered grease, cutting fluid, and carbon deposits for rapid stripping. Especially suitable for ultrasonic cleaning and high-pressure spray cleaning processes; its low-foaming property prevents overflow and equipment cavitation.

Pesticide Adjuvant: As a tank-mix adjuvant, recommended dilution ratio is 3000 – 5000 times, i.e., add 3 – 5 grams of OE-35 per 15 kg of spray solution; in pesticide formulations (such as suspension concentrates, aqueous solutions), recommended dosage is 5% – 15% of total formulation weight. It significantly reduces surface tension of spray liquid, improving spreading, retention, and systemic absorption on hydrophobic leaf surfaces (e.g., rice, wheat).

Household and Industrial Cleaning: In laundry liquid and hard surface cleaner formulations, recommended addition amount is 2% – 5% of total formulation weight. It helps surfactant system penetrate faster into the interface between fibers and dirt, breaking down stubborn stains and shortening soaking time. In car wash liquids or floor cleaners, it also enhances degreasing and wetting effects.

Key Usage Methods and Precautions

  • Addition Order: It is generally recommended to add to the main solvent (e.g., water) and stir evenly before adding other auxiliaries such as electrolytes, alkalis, acids, etc. For complex formulations, adding OE-35 last helps better stabilize or control foam.
  • Temperature Control: The cloud point of OE-35 is >100°C, so it maintains a stable and clear solution state under most industrial operating temperatures (including high-temperature scouring), achieving optimal penetration performance.
  • Safe Operation: According to Guoli Chemical safety data, wear chemical safety goggles and nitrile gloves during operation to avoid eye contact. In case of accidental eye contact, immediately open eyelids and rinse continuously with clean water for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical attention promptly (this product is mildly irritating to eyes). Maintain good ventilation in the operating area.
  • Storage Notes: Store in a cool (5-35°C) and dry place. Ensure container is sealed tightly after each use to prevent moisture absorption. Keep away from strong oxidizers.
  • Small-Scale Testing: Before large-scale production, it is recommended to conduct small-scale compatibility tests with the working solution to confirm system stability, penetration efficiency, and foam height, in order to determine the optimal dosage suitable for your specific process.