Span S-60 (Sorbitan monostearate) appears as a white to pale yellow waxy solid at room temperature (melting point 52~57°C) and cannot be directly dissolved in cold water. Therefore, it must be melted by heating before first use. The typical method is to slowly heat the product to 60~70°C to turn it into a liquid, then quickly disperse or dissolve it in the hot oil phase (such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, or synthetic oils) of the formulation.
In specific formulation design, Span S-60 has a low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value of about 4.7), making it very suitable for preparing stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion systems. If preparing an oil-in-water (O/W) type product or requiring a more flexible HLB value, Span S-60 is typically compounded with high-HLB hydrophilic emulsifiers (such as the Tween series, especially Tween-60 or Tween-80). By adjusting the ratio of the two, a wide range of HLB values from 4.7 to 15.0 can be flexibly covered, meeting the emulsification needs of different oils and formulations.
Regarding the order of addition, the standard emulsification process steps are: first, add Span S-60 to the oil phase and heat to mix evenly; simultaneously heat the water phase ingredients separately; then, under stirring or homogenization conditions, slowly add the water phase to the oil phase to form a fine and stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. Due to its excellent chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, it can be directly applied to complex industrial or household chemical systems.
| Parameter Item | Technical Index |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to pale yellow waxy solid |
| HLB Value | 4.7 |
| Melting Point | 52~57°C |
| Active Content | ≥98% |
| Acid Value | ≤10 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 145~160 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 230~270 mgKOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤1.5% |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 g/100g |
| pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >149°C |
Cosmetics and Personal Care: The recommended dosage is 1%~5% of the total formulation (empirical value). When preparing creams, lotions, and sunscreens, heat and dissolve it together with the oil phase components at 65~70°C. To prepare a fine oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, it can be combined with Tween-60 (common compounded HLB value of Span-60 and Tween-60 is about 8~12).
Food Industry: As an emulsifier and stabilizer, it can be used in margarine, pastries, and chocolate to prevent oil separation and improve texture. The recommended addition amount in pastries is usually 0.3%~1.0% of the flour weight (empirical value), and local food additive regulations (E491) usage limits must be observed.
Industrial Applications: In textile oils, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, plastic anti-fog agents, and coatings and inks, this product mainly acts as a dispersant and emulsifier. In anti-fog formulations for agricultural films, the recommended addition amount is 0.5%~2% of the resin total (empirical value); when used as a pigment dispersant in coatings, the recommended addition amount is 2%~5% of the pigment weight (empirical value), effectively preventing floating color and flooding.