Compared to anionic penetrants (such as rapid penetrant T series), low-foam penetrant SF has the greatest differentiated advantage in its perfect combination of low-foam characteristics and alkali resistance. Although penetrant T (sodium diisooctyl sulfosuccinate, CAS: 577-11-7) has extremely fast penetration speed, it generates a large amount of foam in dynamic circulation systems, easily causing overflow and equipment failure; in contrast, low-foam penetrant SF maintains excellent penetration power (canvas sinking method ≤10 seconds) while having low and unstable foam, fundamentally solving the foam problems in spray cleaning and high-speed circulation processes.
Compared to similar fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate ester products (such as alkali-resistant penetrant AEP, OEP-70), low-foam penetrant SF has a more refined molecular design—its hydrophobic group is a C12-14 alkyl chain, EO polymerization degree is about 9, and monoester content ≥60%. This makes it particularly excellent in strong alkali resistance (withstanding 300g/L NaOH solution), significantly outperforming conventional alkali-resistant penetrants. At the same time, its HLB value is 11~13, and its cloud point is ≥100°C, so it does not precipitate or fail due to temperature increase in high-temperature processes, ensuring process stability in high-temperature scouring, desizing, and other steps.
In terms of safety and environmental protection, low-foam penetrant SF also demonstrates competitive advantages: the product is not classified as a dangerous chemical, acute oral/dermal toxicity LD50 is >2000 mg/kg bw, skin irritation score is <0.5 (non-irritating), and it is a non-flammable liquid, ensuring high safety in storage and transportation. This gives user companies significant advantages in EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management and compliance costs, especially in the field of food processing equipment cleaning and textile chemicals, which have strict requirements for chemical safety.
| Performance Indicator | Low-Foam Penetrant SF | Comparison with Typical Industry Penetrants |
|---|---|---|
| Ion Type | Nonionic (with anionic characteristics) | Penetrant T is purely anionic, limited in alkali resistance and compatibility |
| Penetration Power (1% aqueous solution) | ≤10 seconds (canvas sinking method) | At the same level as rapid penetrant T, fast penetration |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foam, low and unstable foam | Rapid penetrant T produces large amounts of foam, requiring additional defoamer |
| Alkali Resistance | Resists 300g/L NaOH solution | Penetrant T easily hydrolyzes and fails in high-concentration alkali |
| HLB Value | 11~13 | Combines emulsifying and wetting functions, wide application range |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | ≥100°C | Suitable for high-temperature processes, no precipitation or failure |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | Approx. 30 mN/m | Strong wetting and spreading ability |
| Chemical Medium Resistance | Acid-resistant, alkali-resistant, hard water-resistant | Stable over a wide pH range, strong process adaptability |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating (rabbit score <0.5) | Some anionic penetrants are significantly irritating |
| Dangerous Goods Classification | Non-dangerous chemical | Low storage, transportation, and compliance costs |
Based on the comprehensive advantages of low-foam penetrant SF, it is recommended to prioritize it in the following scenarios: