Question

What are the physicochemical technical parameters of Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-40

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 is a nonionic surfactant with a high HLB value (16-17). It appears as a white to pale yellow waxy solid at room temperature and exhibits excellent emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties. Its physicochemical parameters cover multiple dimensions including appearance, solubility, surface activity, and component purity.

Detailed Description

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 (CAS: 9004-99-3), chemically known as Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate, also goes by the names PEG-40 Stearate and Emulsifier SG-40. Its molecular formula is RO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (R = C16-18 fatty chain, n = 40), with an average molecular weight of approximately 2045, and it belongs to the category of nonionic surfactants. The product has an active content of ≥99%, appears as a white to pale yellow waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point range of 48-52°C. It is readily soluble in water and various organic solvents, has low hygroscopicity, and exhibits stable chemical properties, being resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water.

In terms of surface activity, SG-40 has an HLB value as high as 16-17, making it a hydrophilic emulsifier suitable for O/W (oil-in-water) systems. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is approximately 0.005%, and the surface tension of a 1% aqueous solution at 25°C is about 42 mN/m. The cloud point exceeds 100°C, and the pH values of both 1% and 5% aqueous solutions are 5.0-7.0, indicating a weakly acidic to neutral range. It exhibits low foam characteristics, which can reduce the need for defoamers in practical applications.

Regarding component purity, the product has a monoester content of ≥90%, diester content of ≤5%, free alcohol of ≤1%, moisture of ≤1.0%, acid value of ≤2 mgKOH/g, saponification value of 25-35 mgKOH/g, hydroxyl value of approximately 28 mgKOH/g, and iodine value of ≤1 gI₂/100g (indicating extremely low unsaturation). Heavy metal content is ≤10 mg/kg, and arsenic content is ≤2 mg/kg, meeting strict impurity control requirements for daily chemical and industrial auxiliaries.

Technical Parameters

Parameter Item Specification / Indicator
Product Name / Full Chemical Name Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 / Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate
Synonyms PEG-40 Stearate, Emulsifier SG-40, Polyethylene Glycol (40) Stearate
CAS Number 9004-99-3
Ionic Type Nonionic
Molecular Formula RO(CH₂CH₂O)ₙH (R=C16-18, n=40)
Average Molecular Weight Approximately 2045
Appearance (Room Temperature) White to pale yellow waxy solid
Active Content (Solid Content) ≥99%
Melting Point 48-52°C
Density Approximately 1.05 g/cm³
Refractive Index (60°C) Approximately 1.456
Flash Point (Closed Cup) >200°C
Solubility Readily soluble in water and organic solvents
Hygroscopicity Low
Chemical Stability Resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water; stable properties
HLB Value 16-17
Cloud Point >100°C
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) Approximately 0.005%
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) Approximately 42 mN/m
Foam Characteristics Low foam
pH (1% Aqueous Solution) 5.0-7.0
pH (5% Aqueous Solution) 5.0-7.0
Acid Value ≤2 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value 25-35 mgKOH/g
Hydroxyl Value Approximately 28 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value ≤1 gI₂/100g (extremely low unsaturation)
Moisture Content ≤1.0%
Monoester Content ≥90%
Diester Content ≤5%
Free Alcohol ≤1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤10 mg/kg
Arsenic (As) ≤2 mg/kg
Kinematic Viscosity Not applicable (solid at room temperature)
Packaging Specification 20kg woven bag

(Data source: Guoli Chemical Product Database)

Application Recommendations

Based on SG-40's high HLB value (16-17) and excellent water solubility, it is primarily used as an O/W emulsifier in the following fields:

  • Personal Care and Cosmetics: Recommended for formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes to impart a light feel and fine foam, with a typical usage of 1%-5%.
  • Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: Provides multiple functions including emulsification, softening, antistatic, and leveling, improving fiber hand feel and dyeing uniformity.
  • Metalworking Fluids: Acts as a core emulsifier for emulsified cutting fluids and grinding fluids, offering both lubrication and auxiliary anti-rust functions, with recommended usage of 5%-15%.
  • Pesticide Formulations: Serves as an emulsifying and dispersing carrier to improve the stability and spreading properties of pesticide emulsions or suspensions.