Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-6 (chemical name: Polyoxyethylene (6) Stearate, CAS No.: 9004-99-3), with its balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic properties (moderate HLB value), exhibits excellent formulation adaptability in multiple industrial fields. The product appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or flake, can be dispersed or dissolved in water, and is also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. It possesses a very low critical micelle concentration (CMC), enabling efficient emulsification of various animal and vegetable oils and mineral oils.
From a molecular structure perspective, SG-6 has 6 ethylene oxide (EO) units attached to the stearic acid molecular chain, retaining the lipophilic backbone of stearate while gaining sufficient hydrophilicity. This structural feature endows it with excellent chemical stability under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions — it does not saponify or hydrolyze, and can be widely compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants without antagonistic effects, greatly expanding the freedom of formulation design.
In terms of safety, SG-6 is classified as low toxicity (rat oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), non-irritating to skin (PII < 0.5), non-sensitizing, and readily biodegradable (28-day degradation rate > 60% under OECD 301B standard), aligning with the development trend of green chemistry.
According to the Guoli Chemical product database, Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-6 is primarily applied in the following six industries and corresponding processes:
| Industry Field | Specific Process/Application | Functional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics Industry | Emulsification and solubilization processes for creams, lotions, and other skin care products | Acts as an efficient emulsifier to stabilize the oil-water two-phase system, imparting a fine texture and light skin feel to the product; also serves as a solubilizer for fragrances and fat-soluble active ingredients, enhancing compatibility among components |
| Textile Printing and Dyeing | Fabric finishing processes (softening finishing, antistatic treatment) | Effectively adsorbs onto fiber surfaces, imparting a soft and fluffy hand feel; reduces surface resistance of fibers, eliminating static buildup during processing and wear |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsification and dispersion processes for water-based pesticide formulations (emulsifiable concentrates, water emulsions, etc.) | Stably disperses the pesticide active ingredient in water to form a uniform emulsion, improving the wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces, enhancing efficacy, and reducing loss of active ingredient |
| Industrial Cleaning | Metal degreasing, precision cleaning, equipment and pipeline cleaning processes | Rapidly penetrates and emulsifies oil and grease on metal surfaces and equipment, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and degreasing capability |
| Metalworking Fluids | Preparation of cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and other metalworking fluids | As an emulsifying lubricating component, forms an effective lubricating film on metal surfaces, reducing processing friction and heat, while also providing cooling, anti-rust, and extreme pressure auxiliary properties, helping to extend tool life |
| Papermaking Industry | Deinking process in waste paper recycling | Effectively strips and disperses printing ink particles, preventing redeposition of ink on fiber surfaces, improving the whiteness and cleanliness of recycled pulp, while reducing fiber damage |
In actual formulation applications, the dosage of SG-6 should be adjusted according to specific process requirements: in cosmetic cream and lotion systems, the recommended dosage is generally 1%~5% of the total formulation; in textile softeners, the recommended dosage is 0.5%~3% of the working solution; in industrial cleaning and metalworking fluids, the addition amount depends on the degree of oil contamination and lubrication requirements, typically 2%~10%. Since SG-6 is a waxy solid at room temperature, it is recommended to preheat and melt it at 30°C~40°C before use for easy feeding and uniform dispersion. It can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants for synergistic effects.