Question

What is low-foam penetrant SF

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 低泡渗透剂SF

Low-foam penetrant SF is a nonionic surfactant (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate ester) with anionic characteristics, known for its ultra-low foam, rapid penetration, and excellent resistance to alkali and hard water. CAS number: 26468-86-0.

Detailed Description

Low-foam penetrant SF is produced by Haian County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. The full chemical name is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate ester. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with an active content ≥99%. Its molecular structure is a mixture of monoester (RO(CH₂CH₂O)₉PO₃H₂, R=C12-14 alkyl) and diester, with monoester content ≥60%. The molecular weight is approximately 676 (calculated as monoester). Although classified as a nonionic surfactant, the phosphate ester group imparts anionic characteristics. The HLB value ranges from 11 to 13, and it is easily soluble in water.

Its most outstanding performance advantages are reflected in three aspects: first, excellent low-foam property, producing extremely low foam in dynamic circulation cleaning or high-pressure spraying systems, effectively avoiding production interruptions caused by foam overflow; second, rapid penetration, with a 1% aqueous solution at 25°C achieving canvas sedimentation time of ≤10 seconds, quickly wetting and penetrating into fibers and dirt layers; third, excellent chemical stability, resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water, especially capable of withstanding NaOH solutions up to 300 g/L, with stable and reliable performance.

In terms of safety, this product is not classified as a dangerous chemical. It is non-flammable (flash point >150°C), low skin irritation (rabbit skin irritation score <0.5), acute oral and dermal toxicity LD50 >2000 mg/kg bw, and high storage and usage safety.

Technical Parameters

ParameterTechnical Indicator
Chemical NameFatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate ester
CAS Number26468-86-0
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Ionic TypeAnionic (with nonionic characteristics)
HLB Value11~13
Active Content≥99%
pH (1% aqueous solution)5.0~7.0
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)≥100°C
Penetration (1% aqueous solution, 25°C, canvas sedimentation method)≤10 seconds
Surface Tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C)Approx. 30 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 150 mg/L
Density (25°C)1.05~1.10 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)200~400 mm²/s
Acid Value80~120 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value120~150 mgKOH/g
Moisture Content≤1.0%
Flash Point>150°C
Alkali ResistanceResistant to 300g/L NaOH solution
Foam CharacteristicsLow foam, little and unstable foam
Freezing Point<0°C (liquid)
Monoester Content≥60%
Heavy Metals≤20 mg/kg
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote

Application Recommendations

Low-foam penetrant SF is widely used in five major fields:

  • Textile Industry: Used in desizing, scouring, bleaching, and dyeing pretreatment processes for cotton, linen, synthetic fibers, and blends. Recommended dosage depends on process requirements. It significantly improves the uniformity of chemical penetration and processing efficiency.
  • Industrial Cleaning: Suitable for cleaning metal parts, food processing equipment, and CIP online cleaning systems. It is particularly advantageous in high-pressure spraying and dynamic circulation systems, preventing equipment malfunctions caused by excessive foam.
  • Paper Industry: As a component of deinking agents and pulp penetration aids, it promotes the separation of ink particles from fibers, improving deinking efficiency and pulp brightness.
  • Leather Processing: Used in soaking and degreasing processes, accelerating fiber softening and removal of natural oils, shortening processing cycles.
  • Pesticide Synergist: As a wetting and penetrating synergistic component in wettable powders, aqueous suspensions, etc., reducing the surface tension of the spray liquid, enhancing spreading and penetration on plant leaves and target surfaces.

Precautions

  • During operation, it is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves to avoid prolonged direct contact with eyes and skin.
  • Storage temperature should be controlled between 5°C and 35°C, protected from light, dry, ventilated, and keep the container sealed.
  • Although non-flammable, keep away from fire sources and strong oxidizers.
  • In case of leakage, collect with inert absorbent material; do not discharge into drains or water bodies.
  • Do not mix storage with food, feed, or drinking water.
  • When specific application conditions exceed the normal range, independent suitability assessment is recommended.