Span S-80 (CAS No.: 1338-43-8), also known as Span 80, is a classic nonionic surfactant product mainly supplied by Hai'an County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. Its molecular structure gives it a low HLB value (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) characteristic, enabling it to form a stable interfacial film at the oil-water interface for excellent water-in-oil emulsification.
This product has excellent chemical stability, maintaining stable surface activity even in acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions, suitable for various harsh working conditions. Additionally, Span S-80 has good compatibility with various oils, waxes, and organic solvents; at low addition levels, it can significantly improve the stability and fineness of emulsion systems, providing multiple functions such as emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and lubrication.
As a food-grade emulsifier (E494) and pharmaceutical excipient, Span S-80 plays an indispensable role in many industries and is one of the common multifunctional auxiliaries for formulators.
According to Guoli Chemical product data, the core application areas of Span S-80 include the following eight directions:
| Application Field | Specific Use | Functional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | Creams, lotions, sunscreens, cosmetics | Primary or auxiliary W/O emulsifier, providing spreadability and moisturizing feel |
| Food Industry | Baking fats, non-dairy creamer, candies, chocolate | Improves oil-water dispersion, enhances texture and taste stability |
| Pharmaceutical Preparations | Ointment base, suppositories, creams | Pharmaceutical excipient, promotes uniform drug distribution and transdermal absorption |
| Agrochemicals | Pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates | High-efficiency emulsifying and dispersing agent, spontaneously forms stable emulsion upon dilution |
| Industrial Lubricants | Rust preventive oils, cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids | Improves compatibility between additives and base oils, maintains oil uniformity |
| Textile Industry | Fiber oils, spinning finishes | Smoothing and antistatic components, reduces fiber friction |
| Plastics and Polymers | Plastic processing aids | Internal lubricant and antistatic agent, improves mold release and surface gloss |
| Other Industrial Fields | Coatings, inks, metalworking fluids, etc. | Dispersant, wetting agent, auxiliary emulsifier |
As a W/O emulsifier, Span S-80 is usually used in combination with Tween series (e.g., Tween-80) ; by adjusting the ratio of the two, different HLB values can be obtained to meet various emulsion systems from pure water-in-oil to oil-in-water. The recommended dosage is generally 1%~5% of the total formula weight; the specific dosage should be determined by experiments according to the oil phase ratio and emulsification requirements. When used in food applications, the usage limits for E494 as per GB 2760 and other relevant regulations must be followed.