Span S-40 is a water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsifier, which needs to be heated and melted before use and dissolved in the oil phase. The recommended addition amount is usually 1% to 5% of the total formula weight, and the specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the HLB value of the system and emulsification requirements.
Detailed Description
Span S-40 (Sorbitan monopalmitate) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 6.7, specially used for preparing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. The product appears as a white to light yellow waxy solid, insoluble in water, soluble in hot oil and organic solvents, with a melting point of 45~47°C. When using, first heat the product to a molten state (recommended 50~60°C), dissolve it in the oil phase while stirring, then slowly add the water phase to the oil phase for emulsification. If combined with high HLB emulsifiers (such as Tween series), a wider HLB coverage range and a more stable emulsion system can be obtained.
As a high-quality Span series product produced by Guoli Chemical, Span S-40 has an effective content of ≥99%, free alcohol ≤1%, high purity and stable performance. It is suitable for various fields such as cosmetic creams, food emulsification, pharmaceutical ointment bases, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, textile oils, plastic antistatic agents, and paint pigment dispersion.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Specifications |
| Chemical Name | Sorbitan monopalmitate |
| CAS Number | 26266-57-9 |
| Appearance | White to light yellow waxy solid |
| HLB Value | 6.7 |
| Effective Content | ≥99% |
| Melting Point | 45~47°C |
| Acid Value | ≤8 |
| Saponification Value | 140~150 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 255~290 mgKOH/g |
| Moisture | ≤1.5% |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in hot oil and organic solvents |
| Emulsion Type | Water-in-oil (W/O) type |
Application Recommendations
The recommended addition amount of Span S-40 varies depending on the application field. The following are general reference ranges in the industry (Source: Guoli Chemical Technology Application Guide):
- Cosmetic Creams/Emulsions: 1%~5% (based on total formula weight), used as the main emulsifier to form W/O systems. When compounded with Tween, the ratio is calculated based on HLB value.
- Food Emulsification: 0.2%~1% (based on oil weight), used in products such as bakery fats and whipped cream, compliant with FDA 21 CFR 172.842 standards.
- Pharmaceutical Creams/Suppositories: 1%~10% (based on base weight), used as an emulsifying base.
- Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrates/Suspension Concentrates: 2%~8% (based on total formula weight), used as an emulsifying dispersant.
- Paint Dispersion: 0.5%~2% (based on pigment weight), added during the grinding stage to promote pigment dispersion.
- Plastic Film Anti-fogging: 0.5%~3% (based on resin weight), used as an internal additive.
The optimal addition amount should be determined through small-scale experiments, examining emulsion stability, particle size distribution, and final product performance. When compounded with high HLB emulsifiers (such as Tween-60, HLB=14.9), it can cover a wider HLB range and is suitable for preparing various emulsions.
Precautions
- Heating and Melting: The product is a waxy solid. Preheat to 50~60°C to completely melt it before use, avoiding local overheating which may cause color darkening.
- Dissolution Order: It must be added to the oil phase first and stirred evenly before mixing with the water phase for emulsification.
- Not Resistant to Strong Alkali: Avoid using in strong alkaline systems to prevent hydrolysis.
- Low Foaming Property: The product itself has low foam, suitable for applications requiring low foam.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (temperature below 35°C), dry place, keep the packaging sealed, and keep away from strong oxidizers and strong acids.
- Safety Protection: It is recommended to wear gloves and safety goggles during operation, and avoid generating and inhaling dust.