In the Span series products of Hai'an Guoli Chemical, the fundamental differentiation of Span S-80 (Sorbitan Monooleate) from similar products lies in its unique fatty acid chain structure. S-80 is grafted with monounsaturated oleic acid. Compared to Span S-60 (stearic acid, saturated) or Span S-20 (lauric acid, short chain), the oleic acid chain endows S-80 with a lower pour point (melting point only 10~12°C) and a liquid state at room temperature, allowing direct dispersion without melting during processing, offering significantly greater operational convenience than the waxy solid S-40 and S-60. More importantly, its HLB value is approximately 4.3, which is in the very low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance range of nonionic surfactants, determining its high efficiency in forming water-in-oil emulsions, requiring only low addition levels to create a stable interfacial film.
Beyond internal comparison within the Span series, when compared with the Tween series (e.g., Tween T-80, which is also oleate but with polyoxyethylene chains), the advantages are distinctly different: Tween T-80 is an oil-in-water emulsifier, while Span S-80 is a water-in-oil emulsifier. They are often used in combination, but for building an oil-based skeleton and achieving dispersion and emulsification in pure oil systems or high oil phase formulations, Span S-80 is an irreplaceable core. Additionally, compared to ionic emulsifiers, the nonionic nature of Span S-80 ensures chemical stability in hard water, acidic, and alkaline media, remaining active unaffected by metal ions in water, offering strong adaptability to working conditions.
In terms of application breadth, Span S-80 truly achieves "one specialty with multiple capabilities." It is not only the preferred W/O emulsifier for cosmetic creams, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, and lubricating oils but also integrates multiple functions such as dispersion, wetting, lubrication, and antistatic properties. For example, it serves as an internal lubricant and antistatic agent in plastic processing, and as a smoothing agent in textile fibers. This ability to achieve multiple effects with a single component is difficult for many single-structure similar emulsifiers to match. Moreover, it complies with food additive standard E494 and can be used in food systems, a qualification many industrial-grade surfactants lack.
| Parameter | Span S-80 (Oleate) | Span S-60 (Stearate) | Tween T-80 (Oleate Ether) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form and Physical State | Yellow to amber viscous liquid (room temperature) | White to light yellow waxy solid | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Melting Point | 10~12°C | Higher (melts upon heating) | Liquid (may thicken at low temperatures) |
| HLB Value | 4.3 (W/O emulsifier) | This parameter is not available (W/O emulsifier) | This parameter is not available (O/W emulsifier) |
| Saponification Value | 145~160 | This parameter is not available | This parameter is not available |
| Hydroxyl Value | 200~240 | This parameter is not available | This parameter is not available |
| Iodine Value | 65~85 (contains unsaturated double bonds) | This parameter is not available (saturated) | This parameter is not available |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | 1000~2000 mm²/s | This parameter is not available | This parameter is not available |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to hard water, acid, and alkali; ester bond may hydrolyze in alkaline conditions | Similar | Similar |
| Food Applicability | Yes (E494) | Yes (E491) | This parameter is not available |
1. When you need to build a pure oil-based or high internal phase water-in-oil system (e.g., rust preventive oil, ointment base, baking release oil), first choose Span S-80: Its liquid form allows direct dispersion, and the high lipophilicity from the HLB value of 4.3 enables spontaneous formation of reverse micelles in oil, stabilizing fine water droplets or solid particles.
2. When pursuing processing convenience and anti-congealing in winter (e.g., textile oils, low-temperature lubricants), first choose Span S-80: Compared to room-temperature solid products like S-60, S-80 maintains fluidity at low temperatures, reducing preheating steps and suitable for continuous pipeline transport.
3. When compounding emulsifiers to produce ultrafine emulsions: Span S-80 is often mixed with high HLB O/W emulsifiers like Tween T-80 in a certain ratio, leveraging the affinity of the oleic acid chain to obtain a more compact interfacial film than with a single emulsifier. We recommend testing the optimal ratio using the HLB value additive formula.
4. When needing both internal and external lubrication/antistatic properties in plastic or fiber processing: Span S-80 serves multiple functions with a single agent, simplifying formulation and reducing compatibility issues of multiple additives.