Question

In which industries and processes is Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-10 mainly used?

Answer
2026-05-27 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-10

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-10 is widely used in eight major industries including cosmetics, textile printing and dyeing, industrial cleaning, metalworking, pesticide formulations, emulsion polymerization, leather processing, and water-based coatings. It is a versatile non-ionic O/W emulsifier and multifunctional additive.

Detailed Description

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-10 (PEG-10 Stearate) is a classic fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester non-ionic surfactant. Its molecular structure contains hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic stearate ester groups, imparting excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and compatibility properties. Benefiting from outstanding chemical stability (resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water) and good biodegradability, this product is widely adopted in numerous industrial fields. It can be used alone or in combination with anionic, cationic, and other non-ionic surfactants.

In the cosmetics industry, SG-10 serves as an ideal O/W emulsifier for creams and lotions, forming a stable and fine texture. In textile printing and dyeing, it combines multiple functions such as leveling, softening, antistatic, and soaping. In industrial and household cleaning fields, it significantly enhances the emulsifying and dispersing ability for oil stains. Moreover, it plays a key role in niche markets such as metalworking fluids, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, emulsion polymerization, and leather and coatings.

Detailed Application Fields

I. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

As an efficient O/W emulsifier, SG-10 can evenly disperse oily components in the water phase, forming a stable and fine cream or lotion texture. It is widely used in face creams, lotions, sunscreens, etc. In cleansing products such as makeup removers and facial cleansers, it combines emulsifying and mild cleansing effects, helping to dissolve makeup and excess skin oil. A 5% dilution shows no skin irritation.

II. Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries

SG-10 is extremely widely used in the textile industry: as a leveling agent, it promotes uniform dye uptake, preventing color spots and streaks; as a softener, it imparts a soft and smooth hand feel to fabrics; as an antistatic agent, it reduces fiber surface resistance and minimizes static accumulation; in the soaping process after printing, it effectively removes unfixed dyes, improving color fastness and preventing white ground staining.

III. Industrial and Household Detergents

In heavy-duty industrial cleaning formulations for metal equipment surfaces, it enhances the emulsifying, dispersing, and removal ability for oil stains. In household liquid detergents such as laundry liquids and dishwashing liquids, it serves as an auxiliary emulsifier and decontamination booster, improving low-temperature washing performance.

IV. Metalworking Fluids

Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in emulsified cutting fluids, it enables base oils to form stable working fluids with water, providing good lubrication and cooling performance. In rust prevention fluids, it helps rust inhibitors disperse evenly, enhancing the anti-rust protection effect on metal parts.

V. Pesticide Emulsifiers

As a core emulsifying component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, it ensures that the pesticide active ingredient can quickly and stably disperse in water upon dilution, forming a uniform emulsion to guarantee the efficacy of the pesticide.

VI. Emulsion Polymerization Stabilizers

In the synthesis of polymer emulsions such as acrylate and styrene-acrylic, it acts as an emulsifying stabilizer, controlling micelle formation and particle size distribution, improving the stability of the polymerization process and the storage stability of the final emulsion.

VII. Leather Chemicals

As an emulsifying component in fatliquoring agents, it helps oils penetrate into leather fibers, making the leather soft and full. It is also used in leather degreasing processes to effectively emulsify and remove natural fats from the skin.

VIII. Paint Dispersants

In water-based coatings, it aids in the wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing particle flocculation and sedimentation, thereby improving the storage stability and application performance of the coating.

Core Performance Parameters

ParameterValue
Ionic TypeNon-ionic
Appearance (Room Temperature)Pale yellow paste to solid
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (10) Stearate
CAS Number9004-99-3
Emulsification TypeO/W (Oil-in-Water)
Chemical StabilityResistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water
CompatibilityGood with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants
Skin Irritation (5% Dilution)No irritation
Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat)LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg (Low toxicity)
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (OECD 301B, 28 days > 60%)

Application Recommendations

The recommended dosage of SG-10 in formulations varies by application scenario: typically 1% to 5% in cosmetic cream and lotion systems; 2 to 8 g/L when used as a softener or leveling agent in textile auxiliaries; 3% to 10% in industrial cleaning formulations; and 5% to 15% as an emulsifier component in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates. It is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through small-scale trials. The product is a paste to solid at room temperature and can be heated to 40-50°C before use for easier handling and dispersion.

Precautions

  • The pure product may cause mild reversible eye irritation; wear chemical safety goggles during operation.
  • Recommended storage temperature does not exceed 40°C to avoid moisture absorption, caking, or deterioration.
  • Store separately from strong oxidizing agents and acids to prevent incompatible reactions.
  • Do not discharge large amounts into water bodies, soil, or sewers to prevent local accumulation.
  • The product is readily biodegradable, meeting environmental regulatory requirements.