Question

What is Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40

Answer
2026-05-27 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-40

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 is a high-purity nonionic O/W emulsifier, appearing as a white to light yellow waxy solid at room temperature, with an HLB value of 16-17, widely used in various industrial fields such as textiles, cosmetics, metalworking, pesticides, and papermaking.

Detailed Description

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40, CAS No. 9004-99-3, chemical full name Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate, also known as PEG-40 Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol (40) Stearate, Emulsifier SG-40. Its molecular formula is RO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (R=C16-18, n=40), molecular weight approximately 2045, produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. This product uses stearic acid as the hydrophobic group and 40 oxyethylene units as the hydrophilic segment, belonging to the nonionic polyoxyethylene ether surfactant class.

SG-40 is renowned for its excellent hydrophilicity and chemical stability—it is easily soluble in water and various organic solvents, resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining superior surface activity even in complex electrolyte systems. As an efficient O/W emulsifier with an HLB value of 16-17, it can form stable and fine emulsions over a wide temperature and pH range. It also features low foam characteristics, with a critical micelle concentration of approximately 0.005%, and a surface tension of about 42 mN/m (25°C) for a 1% aqueous solution. The product has an active content ≥99%, monoester content ≥90%, high purity, good compatibility, and can be used synergistically with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants.

In terms of safety performance, SG-40 is classified as a non-hazardous substance, with an acute oral toxicity LD50 >5000 mg/kg (rat), no irritation to skin and eyes (OECD 404/405), no skin sensitization, no mutagenicity, and no reproductive toxicity. It has good ecological compatibility, with a fish LC50 >100 mg/L, is readily biodegradable (meeting OECD 301 standards), and does not readily accumulate in the environment.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemSpecificationRemarks
AppearanceWhite to light yellow waxy solidRoom temperature state
Ionic TypeNonionicPolyoxyethylene ether class
CAS No.9004-99-3
Molecular WeightApprox. 2045
HLB Value16-17O/W type emulsifier
Cloud Point>100°C
Melting Point48-52°C
Active Content≥99%High purity
Monoester Content≥90%
Diester Content≤5%
pH (1% aqueous solution)5.0-7.025°C
Hydroxyl ValueApprox. 28 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value25-35 mg KOH/g
Acid Value≤2 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value≤1 g I₂/100gLow unsaturation
Moisture≤1.0%
Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution)Approx. 42 mN/m25°C
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 0.005%
Foam CharacteristicsLow foam
DensityApprox. 1.05 g/cm³
Flash Point>150°CNon-flammable
Heavy Metals≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic≤2 mg/kg
Chemical ResistanceAcid-resistant, alkali-resistant, hard water-resistantChemically stable
Packaging20kg/woven bagGuoli Chemical standard packaging

Application Recommendations

Textile Industry: Used as an efficient emulsifier, softener, antistatic agent, and leveling agent, significantly improving fiber hand feel, reducing static accumulation, and enhancing dyeing uniformity. The recommended dosage depends on the process, typically 0.5%-3% of the working solution.

Cosmetics and Personal Care: As an O/W emulsifier and solubilizer, suitable for formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes, providing fine foam and a refreshing skin feel. Recommended dosage 1%-5%, high HLB value, suitable for preparing oil-in-water emulsion systems.

Metalworking Fluids: Provides both lubrication and emulsification functions, used in formulating emulsified cutting fluids and grinding fluids, helping to remove heat, reduce friction, and provide auxiliary rust prevention. Recommended dosage 3%-8%, as an emulsifying base component.

Pesticide Formulations: Acts as an emulsifier and dispersant, stably emulsifying or suspending pesticide active ingredients in water, improving spray liquid spreadability and absorption efficiency. Recommended dosage 2%-10%, adjusted according to formulation type.

Papermaking Industry: Used as a deinking agent for waste paper and a paper softener, promoting ink separation and improving paper softness, especially suitable for the production of high-end household paper such as toilet paper and facial tissue.

Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, recommended temperature 5°C~35°C, away from strong oxidizing agents, keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption. Shelf life is 12 months from the date of manufacture.
  • Operational Protection: Although the product is non-toxic and non-irritating, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation, ensure ventilation in the workplace, and thoroughly wash hands after work.
  • Usage Recommendations: The product has a melting point of 48-52°C, appearing solid at low temperatures. Before use, it can be appropriately heated to melt for easier uniform dispersion. Suitable for O/W emulsion systems, can be used as a primary or auxiliary emulsifier.
  • Environmental Disposal: Dispose of waste as non-hazardous waste, recommended high-temperature incineration; do not discharge large quantities into untreated water bodies. Empty packaging can be recycled or disposed of in the same manner.