Among the stearic acid polyoxyethylene ether series, SG-40 has a high ethylene oxide (EO) addition number of up to 40, far exceeding conventional low-EO products (e.g., SG-9 with only 9 EO), enabling a qualitative leap in hydrophilicity. The high EO content endows SG-40 with a higher HLB value and better water solubility/dispersibility, making it an excellent emulsifier specifically designed for O/W (oil-in-water) systems, capable of forming stable and fine emulsions, while low-EO products are more lipophilic and suitable for W/O systems or as auxiliary emulsifiers. This structural difference gives SG-40 an irreplaceable advantage in aqueous formulations such as creams and lotions.
Another core advantage of SG-40 is its strong electrolyte tolerance. Its molecular structure maintains excellent surface activity even in acidic, alkaline, and high-concentration salt solutions, without salting out or demulsifying easily. Compared to certain ionic surfactants or ordinary nonionic surfactants that tend to deactivate in complex electrolyte environments, SG-40 exhibits outstanding chemical stability and reliable emulsification performance in extreme formulations such as metalworking fluids (containing large amounts of inorganic salts) and pesticide formulations (containing electrolyte fertilizers).
In terms of safety and environmental protection, Guoli Chemical SG-40 has complete safety data verified by authoritative toxicological assessments: acute oral toxicity LD50 > 5000 mg/kg (low toxicity), non-irritating to skin and eyes (OECD 404/405), no skin sensitization (OECD 406), no mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity, and meets the OECD 301 ready biodegradability standard. This comprehensive safety profile makes it more trusted by formulation engineers in applications involving direct contact with the human body, such as cosmetics and personal care products, compared to similar products with incomplete safety data.
| Comparison Dimension | Guoli Chemical SG-40 | Similar Low-EO Products (e.g., SG-9) | General Industry Similar Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| EO Addition Number | ~40 | ~9 | 6~100 varies |
| HLB Value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) | High (hydrophilic, suitable for O/W systems) | Low (lipophilic, suitable for W/O systems) | Varies with EO number |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid | White to light yellow flake solid | Paste to solid |
| Water Solubility/Dispersibility | Excellent, can be well dispersed in water | Limited, requires auxiliary dispersion | Depends on EO number |
| Electrolyte Tolerance | Strong (stable in acid, alkali, and high salt) | Moderate | Variable |
| Melting Point Range | Approximately 30~40°C | Lower (approximately 20~30°C) | Depends on structure |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | >5000 mg/kg (low toxicity) | Not available | Usually low toxicity |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating (OECD 404) | Not available | Case-by-case evaluation |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) | Not available | Usually biodegradable |
Note: SG-9 data from Guoli Chemical product database; industry similar products are general reference ranges and vary by manufacturer.
This product is non-hazardous, but it is recommended to store in a cool, dry environment at 5°C~35°C, avoiding high temperature melting and caking. Seal promptly after opening to prevent moisture absorption. Nitrile rubber gloves and safety goggles are recommended during handling to avoid prolonged skin contact. Avoid co-storage with strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, perchlorates).