Question

What is Quick Penetrant, Fast T-40? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 快速渗透剂,快T-40

Quick Penetrant Fast T-40 is a high-efficiency anionic surfactant with the chemical composition of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (CAS: 577-11-7). It is renowned for its excellent rapid penetration ability and is widely used in industrial fields such as textile printing and dyeing, pesticide formulations, daily chemical cleaning, papermaking, and leather.

Product Detailed Description

Quick Penetrant Fast T-40 (also known as Quick Penetrant T, Penetrant T, Wetting Agent OT, Aerosol OT, AOT), with the full chemical name of sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, molecular formula C₂₀H₃₇NaO₇S, and molecular weight 444.56. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent viscous liquid, belonging to the anionic surfactant type, produced by Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. The core feature of this product is its extremely fast penetration ability, with a penetration time of ≤5 seconds measured by the standard canvas sedimentation method, significantly superior to conventional penetrants.

The HLB value of Fast T-40 is 12.4, combining excellent wetting, spreading, emulsifying, and dispersing capabilities. The surface tension of its 1% aqueous solution can be reduced to ≤30 mN\/m, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 0.1~0.4 g\/L, indicating that significant effects can be achieved at very low dosage. The product is easily soluble in water and exhibits excellent chemical stability - it remains active in acid, alkali, and hard water systems without easy precipitation or failure. Additionally, Fast T-40 produces low foam during use, making it suitable for industrial continuous operations.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemTechnical Index
Chemical NameSodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate
CAS Number577-11-7
Molecular FormulaC₂₀H₃₇NaO₇S
Molecular Weight444.56
Ionic TypeAnionic Surfactant
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent viscous liquid
Effective Content (Solid Content)≥40%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
HLB Value12.4
Penetration Power (Standard Canvas Sedimentation Method)≤5 seconds
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution)≤30 mN\/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)~0.1~0.4 g\/L
Density1.03~1.08 g\/cm³
Saponification Value252 mg KOH\/g
Refractive Index1.415~1.420
Water SolubilityEasily soluble in water
Foam CharacteristicsLow foam
Chemical StabilityResistant to acid, alkali, and hard water
Free Alcohol≤1%
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum \/ 200kg plastic drum \/ IBC tote

Main Application Areas

1. Textile Printing and Dyeing - High-efficiency Wetting Penetrant

In textile pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing processes, Fast T-40 can quickly reduce the surface tension of dye liquors and treatment liquids, promoting deep penetration of dyes and auxiliaries into the fiber interior, significantly improving dye uptake and leveling, especially suitable for rapid processing of high-density fabrics. Its low foam characteristics facilitate continuous operation and reduce the amount of defoamer needed.

2. Pesticide Formulations - Wetting and Spreading Auxiliary

In wettable powders (WP), water-dispersible granules (WDG), suspension concentrates (SC), and aqueous solutions (AS), Fast T-40 significantly enhances the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces and target organism surfaces, reducing liquid roll-off and loss, and improving the effective utilization rate of pesticides and field control effects.

3. Daily Chemical and Industrial Cleaning - Penetrating and Emulsifying Component

Used in general and heavy-duty cleaning formulations, its powerful penetrating ability deeply removes stubborn oil, grease, and carbon deposits from fabric surfaces and industrial component crevices, maintaining excellent cleaning efficiency even at room temperature and low temperature conditions.

4. Paper Industry - Sizing and Coating Penetration Aid

During sizing and coating processes, it promotes the uniform penetration and distribution of sizing agents and coatings into paper fibers, enhancing the surface strength, smoothness, and printability of paper, effectively reducing linting and dusting.

5. Leather Industry - Soaking, Degreasing, and Finishing Penetrant

It accelerates the penetration of water and chemicals into the leather fiber interior, shortens soaking and rehydration time, improves degreasing efficiency and adhesion strength of finishing layers, and enhances the softness and uniformity of leather.

Usage Recommendations

The recommended dosage is usually 0.1% to 2.0% of the total working solution (specific dosage should be determined by experiments based on actual process requirements and substrate characteristics). The product can be directly added to the aqueous phase with stirring for dissolution, or used in combination with other surfactants. Due to its good compatibility with anionic, nonionic, and most cationic systems, the formulation design has high flexibility.

Precautions

  • Skin and Eye Protection: The product is classified as skin irritant (Category 2) and eye irritant (Category 2). During operation, wear nitrile rubber protective gloves and splash-proof chemical safety goggles to avoid direct contact.
  • Storage Conditions: Keep the container tightly closed, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. The temperature is recommended to be maintained at 5°C~40°C, avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations, and keep away from strong oxidizers.
  • Environmental Disposal: The product has low toxicity to aquatic organisms and is quickly biodegradable, but still prevent undiluted product from directly entering the water environment. Spills should be absorbed with inert materials such as sand or vermiculite and disposed of in compliance with regulations.
  • Pre-use Testing: Before large-scale application, it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests to determine the optimal dosage and process compatibility.