Question

What is the product Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-6? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 硬脂酸聚氧乙烯醚SG-6

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-6 is a nonionic surfactant with the chemical name Polyoxyethylene (6) stearate (CAS: 9004-99-3). It is widely used in various industrial fields such as textile softening, cosmetic emulsification, pesticide formulations, industrial cleaning, metalworking, and paper deinking due to its excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties.

Detailed Description

Stearic Acid Polyoxyethylene Ether SG-6 (also known as PEG-6 Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol Stearate, Emulsifier SG-6) is a classic nonionic surfactant produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. The product appears as a white to slightly yellowish waxy solid or flake, which can be dispersed or dissolved in water, and also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. Its molecular structure contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic stearate ester groups, endowing the product with balanced hydrophilic and lipophilic characteristics.

This product has an extremely low critical micelle concentration (CMC), enabling it to efficiently emulsify various animal and vegetable oils and mineral oils, forming a stable and fine emulsifying system. Meanwhile, its strong wetting ability can rapidly reduce the dynamic surface tension of the working fluid, providing excellent instant wetting and spreading effects. Under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions, this product maintains stable nonionic activity without saponification or hydrolysis, and can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactants for synergistic effects without antagonism, greatly expanding the formulation design flexibility.

From a safety perspective, this product is classified as low toxicity (rat oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), non-irritating to skin (PII < 0.5), non-sensitizing, readily biodegradable (OECD 301B, 28-day degradation > 60%), with low impact on the aquatic environment, aligning with the green chemical development trend.

Technical Parameters

Parameter ItemParameter Index
Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene (6) Stearate
CAS Number9004-99-3
Product TypeNonionic Surfactant
AppearanceWhite to Slightly Yellowish Waxy Solid or Flake
SolubilityDispersible or Soluble in Water, Soluble in Organic Solvents such as Ethanol
Flash Point (Closed Cup)> 150°C
FlammabilityNon-flammable
HLB ValueNot Available
Cloud PointNot Available
Hydroxyl ValueNot Available

Application Suggestions

Textile Dyeing and Finishing: As a core component of softeners and antistatic agents, it adsorbs onto fiber surfaces, imparting a soft and fluffy hand feel to fabrics and eliminating static buildup. It is recommended for use in the finishing process, with dosage optimized according to fabric type and process requirements.

Cosmetics Industry: Used for emulsification and solubilization in skin care products such as creams and lotions, stabilizing oil and water phases, providing a light skin feel, and also serving as a solubilizer for fragrances and fat-soluble active ingredients.

Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifier, it stably disperses pesticide active ingredients in water to form a uniform emulsion, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the spray solution on plant leaves, improving efficacy and reducing active ingredient loss.

Industrial Cleaning: Provides excellent detergency and penetration in metal degreasing and precision cleaning formulations, rapidly emulsifying grease and oil on metal surfaces, suitable for cleaning mechanical parts, pipelines, and production lines.

Metalworking Fluids: Used in formulating cutting fluids and grinding fluids, forming a lubricating film on metal surfaces to reduce friction and heat during processing, while also providing anti-rust and cooling properties.

Paper Deinking: Effectively strips and disperses printing ink particles during waste paper recycling, preventing ink redeposition, and improving the whiteness and cleanliness of recycled pulp.

Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, control temperature between 15°C and 35°C, keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Operational Protection: Eye contact may cause mild reversible irritation; it is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation. If dust may be generated, use local exhaust ventilation and wear a dust mask.
  • Incompatibilities: Keep away from oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases; do not store together.
  • Emergency Treatment: In case of eye contact, immediately rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water or saline for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists. This product is non-flammable, but thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other fumes; firefighters should wear positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • Environmental Disposal: Prevent spills from entering sewers and water bodies; collect with inert absorbent material and dispose of in accordance with local regulations.