Question

How to store Span S-85? What is its shelf life?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 司盘S-85

Span S-85 should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Under recommended conditions, its shelf life is typically 2 years.

Detailed Description

Span S-85 (sorbitan trioleate) is a chemically stable nonionic surfactant that is not prone to deterioration under normal temperature storage. Its molecular structure contains unsaturated fatty acid ester chains (iodine value 75–85). Prolonged exposure to high temperature, humidity, or strong oxidizing environments may cause oxidative rancidity, affecting the product's color and emulsifying performance. Therefore, strict control of storage conditions is key to ensuring product quality and extending its service life.

Under cool, dry, sealed, and room-temperature conditions, unopened Span S-85 can typically be stored stably for 24 months. After opening, it should be used as soon as possible, and the container should be immediately sealed after each use to avoid prolonged contact with moisture and oxygen in the air. If the product shows significant color darkening, rancid odor, or delamination/cloudiness, it may have deteriorated and should not be used.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
AppearanceAmber to brownish yellow viscous oily liquid
Chemical StabilityStable at room temperature; avoid strong acids and bases
Flash Point (Open Cup)>200°C
Density (25°C)0.95-1.00 g/cm³
Moisture≤1.5%
Recommended Storage TemperatureRoom temperature range; avoid extreme high or low temperatures
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum, 200kg plastic drum, IBC tote

Application Suggestions

Span S-85 has an HLB value of 1.8 and is a highly lipophilic water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical ointments, metalworking fluids, and pesticide emulsifiable concentrates. It is recommended that users gently stir the product before use (increased viscosity at low temperatures is normal) and pre-dissolve/disperse it in the oil phase according to formulation requirements to fully utilize its emulsifying and dispersing effects.

Precautions

  • Keep container tightly closed; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
  • Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents to prevent oxidative deterioration.
  • Storage area should be away from food, beverages, and animal feed.
  • Low temperatures may cause an increase in viscosity or cloudiness, which is a physical change. After returning to room temperature and stirring, the product can be used normally.
  • This product has a water hazard class of WGK 1; do not discharge directly into water bodies or the environment without treatment.