Tween T-20 coconut acid (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, CAS number 9005-64-5) is a classic O\/W non-ionic surfactant, appearing as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. Its core functions lie in four "high-efficiency" aspects: High Emulsifying Efficiency—significantly reduces oil-water interfacial tension, rapidly forming stable and fine oil-in-water emulsions; Excellent Solubilization—strong carrying capacity for lipid-soluble substances, effectively enhancing the solubility and dispersion uniformity of poorly soluble active ingredients in aqueous systems; Superior Wetting and Spreading—remarkably improves the spreading speed and coverage area of liquid media on solid surfaces; Good Dispersibility—prevents secondary aggregation of solid particles, maintaining long-term uniformity and stability of suspended systems. Additionally, it exhibits excellent chemical stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water media, giving formulations high process compatibility.
In terms of processing techniques, this product is almost applicable to all processes requiring oil-water fusion: emulsification processes (cream and lotion preparation), solubilization processes (flavor oils, lipid-soluble drug dissolution), wet dispersion processes (suspension concentrates, slurry preparation), surface pretreatment processes (fiber antistatic treatment), and spraying and dipping processes (pesticide foliar application, metalworking lubrication and cooling). Its HLB value is approximately 16.7, making it particularly suitable for constructing O\/W (oil-in-water) emulsion systems.
1. Cosmetics and Personal Care—As a basic emulsifier and high-efficiency solubilizer, widely used in creams, lotions, makeup removers, toners, facial cleansers, and shampoos. Helps blend oil-soluble actives and fragrances, giving products a refreshing, non-greasy skin feel.
2. Pharmaceutical Preparations—As a solubilization carrier and emulsifier, enhances the solubility and bioavailability of lipid-soluble drugs in aqueous systems, suitable for oral liquids, injections, and topical ointments, ensuring precise delivery of active components.
3. Food Industry—Complies with INS 432 \/ E432 standards as a food emulsifier, applied in bakery fats, dairy beverages, and condiments to improve mixing uniformity and mouthfeel, delay starch aging, and maintain product softness.
4. Textile and Chemical Fiber Industry—Used as an antistatic agent and softening agent, effectively eliminating static buildup in fibers during high-speed spinning and weaving, reducing friction damage, and imparting a smooth, fluffy feel to fabrics.
5. Agricultural Chemicals—As a green pesticide emulsifier and tank-mix adjuvant, provides strong spreading and penetration synergy in suspension concentrates (SC) and microemulsions (ME), significantly reducing liquid surface tension, enhancing wetting, spreading, and penetration on plant leaves, improving efficacy and rainfastness.
6. Industrial Cleaning and Metal Processing—Used as an emulsifying and wetting component in industrial detergent formulations, enhancing the removal and dispersion of heavy oil stains; acts as an auxiliary emulsifier, lubricant, and rust inhibitor in cutting fluids and lubricants, ensuring machining accuracy and surface quality of workpieces.