Question

How to store Stearyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40? What is the shelf life?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-40

Stearyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment. Recommended temperature is 5°C~35°C, sealed and moisture-proof. Under proper storage conditions, the shelf life is 12 months.

Detailed Explanation

Stearyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-40 is a white to slightly yellow waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point of approximately 30-40°C (depending on the degree of polymerization). Therefore, temperature control during storage is particularly critical. Excessive heat may cause the product to melt and agglomerate, affecting its performance. Too low a temperature may cause the product to solidify and harden, which does not affect its chemical properties but may cause inconvenience during material retrieval. It is recommended to maintain the warehouse temperature within the stable range of 5°C~35°C.

Since this product is a nonionic surfactant containing polyoxyethylene segments in its molecular structure, it has certain hygroscopicity. If not sealed promptly after opening, the product may absorb moisture from the air, leading to surface deliquescence or agglomeration. Therefore, the packaging container must be kept airtight. Use original packaging or containers made of compatible materials such as stainless steel or plastic, and reseal immediately after each use.

In terms of chemical stability, SG-40 is stable under normal storage conditions. However, it should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents (such as peroxides, perchlorates, etc.) to avoid adverse reactions. The flash point of the product is above 200°C, making it non-flammable and non-explosive. Nevertheless, it should still be kept away from heat sources, flames, and direct sunlight, not only for safety considerations but also to maintain the long-term stability of product quality.

Storage Condition Summary

Storage ElementSpecific Requirements
Storage Temperature5°C ~ 35°C (to prevent melting and agglomeration at high temperatures or solidification and deterioration at low temperatures)
Environmental RequirementsCool, dry, and well-ventilated
Light RequirementsAvoid direct sunlight
Heat Source ManagementKeep away from heat sources and flames
Container RequirementsKeep airtight, use stainless steel or plastic containers; reseal immediately after opening
Incompatible MaterialsAvoid co-storage with strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, perchlorates, etc.)
Shelf Life12 months from date of manufacture (expired products need retesting to determine usability)

Application Recommendations

To ensure optimal performance when using the product, it is recommended to follow the "first-in, first-out" inventory management principle. If the product is approaching its shelf life or exhibits abnormal conditions (such as significant color darkening, odor generation, severe agglomeration that cannot be crushed), it is advisable to conduct small-scale tests before use to verify whether the emulsifying performance and dispersion effect still meet process requirements. Expired products are not necessarily ineffective, but they must be retested and qualified before continued use.

Precautions

  • Handle with care during transportation to prevent packaging damage and material spillage.
  • Since the product has a low melting point, special attention should be paid to temperature changes during high-temperature summer transportation or storage, and cooling measures should be taken if necessary.
  • In case of minor leakage, use inert absorbent materials (such as sand, vermiculite) to adsorb and collect into airtight containers for disposal.
  • Avoid leakage into drains, waterways, or soil. Dispose of collected residues according to local regulations.
  • Storage areas should be equipped with necessary fire-fighting equipment. Although the product is non-flammable, there may be other fire sources in the surrounding environment.