Question

How to use low-foam penetrating agent SF?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 低泡渗透剂SF

The usage of low-foam penetrating agent SF varies by application field. It is usually used by direct addition or dilution before adding to the working solution. The recommended dosage is 0.1% to 1.0% of the total working solution, but the optimal ratio should be determined through small-scale tests.

Detailed explanation

Low-foam penetrating agent SF (fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate) is a low-foam penetrating agent with both nonionic and anionic characteristics. It is easily soluble in water and exhibits excellent chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, especially resistant to strong alkali (can withstand 300 g/L NaOH solution). The penetrating power of its 1% aqueous solution is ≤10 seconds (canvas sedimentation method), allowing rapid wetting and penetration into the substrate interior. Before use, it is recommended to pre-dilute or disperse it with a small amount of warm water (40-50°C) and then add it to the working solution in proportion and mix well to ensure optimal dispersion.

In different application fields, the usage and recommended dosage of low-foam penetrating agent SF vary. In textile pretreatment processes (desizing, scouring, bleaching), the dosage is usually 0.1% to 0.5% of the total working solution; in dyeing processing, 0.2% to 0.5% is recommended to promote uniform dye penetration. In industrial cleaning, as a key component of low-foam cleaning agents, the recommended addition amount is 0.5% to 2.0% of the total cleaning solution, suitable for dynamic circulation systems such as high-pressure spray and CIP online cleaning. In paper deinking processes, the dosage is generally 0.1% to 0.3%; in pesticide formulations, when used as a synergist, the addition amount is 2% to 5% of the total formulation.

Since actual working conditions (temperature, pH value, water hardness, processing time, etc.) vary widely, the above dosages are only industry general reference ranges. The database of Guoli Chemical does not contain specific process operation guides for various fields. It is strongly recommended that users conduct small-scale tests before use to determine the optimal dosage and operating conditions suitable for their own processes.

Technical parameters

ParameterValue
Appearance (25°C)Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Ionic typeAnionic (with nonionic characteristics)
Active matter content≥99%
HLB value11-13
pH value of 1% aqueous solution5.0-7.0
Penetrating power (1% aqueous solution, 25°C, canvas sedimentation method)≤10 seconds
Cloud point (1% aqueous solution)≥100°C
Alkali resistanceWithstands 300 g/L NaOH solution
Foam characteristicsLow foam, foam is little and unstable
Surface tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C)Approximately 30 mN/m
SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Density (25°C)1.05-1.10 g/cm³
Flash point>150°C
Freezing point<0°C (liquid)

Application suggestions

Textile pretreatment (desizing/scouring/bleaching/dyeing): Add directly to the working solution at 0.1% to 0.5%. Can be used at room temperature to high temperature (cloud point ≥100°C). Helps alkali and auxiliaries quickly penetrate into the fiber interior, improving treatment uniformity and production efficiency.

Industrial hard surface cleaning and CIP online cleaning: As a component of low-foam cleaning formulation, recommended addition is 0.5% to 2.0%, especially suitable for high-pressure spray and dynamic circulation cleaning systems, effectively preventing foam overflow while rapidly wetting and removing soil.

Paper deinking process: Add 0.1% to 0.3% to the deinking pulp to promote rapid separation of ink particles from fiber surfaces, improving deinking efficiency and pulp brightness.

Leather processing (soaking/degreasing): Use at 0.2% to 0.5% to help chemical materials quickly penetrate the leather fibers, shorten soaking time, and effectively remove natural oils.

Agrochemical synergist: Add 2% to 5% to wettable powder or aqueous suspension concentrate formulations to significantly reduce the surface tension of the spray liquid, enhancing wetting, spreading and penetration on leaves and target surfaces.

Precautions

  • Before use, it is recommended to pre-dilute or disperse with warm water (40-50°C) before adding to the working solution and mixing well.
  • The working solution has a wide pH application range and is resistant to strong alkali (300 g/L NaOH). However, under extremely acidic conditions, compatibility tests are recommended first.
  • The product is slightly hygroscopic; after opening, seal it promptly and avoid prolonged exposure to humid air.
  • This product has a freezing point below 0°C and remains liquid at low-temperature storage. However, if low-temperature thickening occurs, move it to an environment above 20°C to restore fluidity before normal use.
  • Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation, and wash hands thoroughly after use.
  • The above dosages are industry general recommended ranges. For specific applications, small-scale optimization should be carried out based on equipment and process conditions. The database of Guoli Chemical does not contain precise dosage guidelines for various fields.