Question

What are the advantages of Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-10 compared to other similar products?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-10

Among similar stearic acid polyoxyethylene ether series, SG-10, with its HLB value of 13.5, excellent O/W emulsifying ability, and the most balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic performance, has become the most widely used and compatible general-purpose nonionic emulsifier from Guoli Chemical.

Detailed Description

In comparison with other stearic acid polyoxyethylene ether homologues from Guoli Chemical (such as SG-6, SG-9, and SG-40), the greatest advantage of SG-10 lies in the optimal hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value 13.5) constructed by its ethylene oxide addition number (n≈10). Compared to SG-6 (n≈6), which is more lipophilic and mainly suitable for W/O systems, SG-10 can more efficiently reduce interfacial tension and form stable, fine O/W emulsions. In contrast to SG-40 (n≈40), which is overly hydrophilic, SG-10 is less likely to cause over-emulsification in emulsion polymerization or metalworking fluids, allowing for more precise control of micelle structure and particle size distribution.

From the perspective of product form and process convenience, SG-10 appears as a white to slightly yellow paste or solid (melting point 35-40°C). Compared to the flake\/block forms of SG-6 and SG-9, its paste form is easier to handle and dissolves faster, dispersing more quickly in hot water or oil phase, thereby shortening the downstream production cycle. Additionally, SG-10's low-foaming property (no need for additional defoamers), extremely low acid value (≤2 mgKOH\/g), and iodine value (≤2 gI₂\/100g) endow it with excellent chemical stability and freeze-thaw stability, making it less prone to rancidity during long-term storage and transportation, which is especially important in cosmetic cream formulations.

In terms of safety and environmental compliance, SG-10 also stands out. Its 5% aqueous solution has a skin irritation index (PII) of only 0–0.5, which is essentially classified as non-irritating. Coupled with its extremely low acute oral toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg\/kg), freedom from heavy metals and phosphorus, it fully complies with international mainstream cosmetic restricted substance requirements. Combined with its readily biodegradable nature (OECD 301B 28-day degradation rate >60%), SG-10 is a benchmark product in the Guoli Chemical series that simultaneously achieves “high-performance emulsification” and “green safety,” making it especially suitable for personal care and household detergent markets that demand high raw material mildness and environmental footprint.

Technical Parameters

Parameter SG-10 (Guoli Chemical) Advantages over similar SG series
Appearance White to slightly yellow paste\/solid Easier to take out and faster to dissolve than flaky SG-6\/SG-9
HLB value 13.5 Most balanced O\/W emulsifying performance among similar products, widest applicability
Cloud point (1% aqueous solution) 45-55°C Moderate cloud point, stable emulsification over a wide temperature range
Active content ≥99% High purity, no excess fillers
pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.0-7.0 Near neutral, minimal pH interference to formulation systems
Acid value ≤2 mgKOH\/g Very low acid value, excellent chemical stability, not prone to rancidity
Iodine value ≤2 gI₂\/100g Very high saturation, strong antioxidant capacity
Skin irritation (5% dilution) Non-irritating (PII 0-0.5) Represents industry-leading mildness and safety
Monoester content ≥95% Higher monoester content indicates purer O\/W emulsifying ability

Application Suggestions

Due to its balanced HLB value (13.5), SG-10 is especially suitable as the primary emulsifier for O\/W creams, lotions, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, and metalworking fluids. In practical formulation design, the recommended dosage is typically 5%–20% of the oil phase mass. For polymer emulsion synthesis requiring higher low-temperature stability, SG-10 can effectively control particle size distribution; when used as a leveling agent or soaping agent in textile printing and dyeing, its low-foaming property prevents dye overflow and imparts a smooth handfeel to the fabric. Note that for highly polar or ultra-long-chain oils, it can be compounded with a small amount of more hydrophilic surfactant to achieve better emulsification results.

Precautions

  • The pure product is slightly reversible irritating to the eyes; wearing goggles is recommended during production feeding.
  • The paste product may harden at low winter temperatures; before use, it can be pre-warmed at 25-35°C to restore fluidity. Do not use open flames for heating.
  • Although it is a low-toxicity, readily biodegradable product, large amounts of untreated wastewater should still be avoided from being discharged directly into water bodies.