Question

What is the main component of low-foam penetrant SF?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 低泡渗透剂SF

The main component of low-foam penetrant SF is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate (CAS No.: 26468-86-0), which is a mixture of monoester and diester, combining nonionic and anionic surfactant characteristics.

Detailed Description

The full chemical name of low-foam penetrant SF is fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate, which is the core component clearly specified in the Guoli Chemical database. Its molecular structure is obtained by adding 9 mol of ethylene oxide to C12-14 fatty alcohol followed by phosphorylation, belonging to the phosphate ester surfactant class. In terms of ionic type, although the product is classified as anionic, due to the presence of polyoxyethylene ether chains in the molecule, it is actually a phosphate salt with nonionic characteristics. This unique "nonionic-anionic" hybrid structure imparts excellent low-foaming properties and penetrating power.

This product is a mixture of monoester and diester. Among them, the monoester has the chemical formula RO(CH₂CH₂O)₉PO₃H₂ (R=C12-14 alkyl), with a content not less than 60%; the diester has the chemical formula (RO(CH₂CH₂O)₉)₂PO₂H, with a content not exceeding 40%. The monoester provides good water solubility and penetrating power, while the diester contributes better emulsifying and dispersing performance. The synergistic effect of both makes the product performance more comprehensive.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemValue\/Description
Chemical NameFatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether Phosphate
CAS No.26468-86-0
Molecular StructureMonoester: RO(CH₂CH₂O)₉PO₃H₂ (R=C12-14 alkyl); Diester: (RO(CH₂CH₂O)₉)₂PO₂H
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Active Content≥99%
Monoester Content≥60%
Diester Content≤40%
Ionic TypeAnionic (with nonionic characteristics)
Combined Phosphorus (as P₂O₅)8~10%
Free Phosphoric Acid≤1.0%
Free Alcohol≤3%

Application Recommendations

Based on its phosphate ester structure, low-foam penetrant SF exhibits excellent chemical stability—resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, especially outstanding in resistance to strong alkalis (it can withstand 300 g\/L NaOH solution). This characteristic gives it significant advantages in harsh working conditions such as textile mercerizing and strong alkali cleaning. Additionally, the phosphate ester structure endows the product with a certain corrosion inhibition effect on metal surfaces, making it more competitive in the field of metal parts cleaning compared to ordinary nonionic surfactants. It is recommended to use in a concentration range of 0.1% to 2% depending on the specific application scenario.

Precautions

  • The product is slightly hygroscopic; after use, the container should be sealed promptly to avoid prolonged exposure to humid air.
  • Storage temperature should be controlled at 5℃ to 35℃, avoiding high temperature or freezing environments that may cause product stratification or crystallization.
  • Although the free phosphoric acid content in this product is low (≤1.0%), it is still recommended to wear conventional chemical protective gloves and goggles during operation.