Tween T-60 is a polyol nonionic surfactant produced by the condensation of sorbitan monostearate with ethylene oxide, with CAS number 9005-67-8, chemical name polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (Polysorbate 60), HLB value as high as 14.9, and is a typical oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier.
Detailed Description
Tween T-60 (Polysorbate 60) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, appearing as a light yellow to amber oily liquid or paste with a mild odor. Its molecular formula is C64H126O26, with a molecular weight of approximately 1312, solid content of 98% or more, and active content of no less than 99%. The product is easily soluble in water and various organic solvents, and possesses multiple functions including excellent emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and antistatic properties.
As an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier, Tween T-60 can form a stable interfacial film at the oil-water interface, significantly reducing interfacial tension, resulting in fine and uniform emulsions with high stability. At the same time, it provides excellent solubilization and dispersion effects for difficult-to-dissolve oils, fragrances, essential oils, and fat-soluble active substances, effectively improving the transparency and performance of formulations. The product exhibits high tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water environments, maintaining functional stability over a wide pH range, and can be compounded with various ionic and nonionic surfactants with excellent compatibility.
Tween T-60 is produced by Hai'an County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., packaged in well-sealed plastic or iron drums with specifications of 50 kg and 200 kg. The product should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures, with a recommended storage temperature range of 5°C to 35°C. Under normal sealed conditions, the shelf life is two years from the date of manufacture.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Chemical Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| CAS Number | 9005-67-8 |
| HLB Value | 14.9 |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid/paste |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Solid Content | ≥98% |
| Solidification Point | Approx. 20~25°C |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Density | 1.05~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 400~600 mm²/s |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.472~1.476 |
| Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | 42~45 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 3×10⁻⁵ mol/L (0.003% w/v) |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | 76~78°C |
| Flash Point | >150°C (Closed Cup) |
| Hydroxyl Value | 81~96 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 mgKOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤2.0 mgKOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 |
| Moisture Content | ≤3.0% |
| Monoester Content | 45~55% |
| Diester Content | 10~20% |
| Free Alcohol | ≤1% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat LD50) | >5000 mg/kg (Practically Non-toxic) |
| Foaming Properties | Moderate foaming |
| Alkali Resistance | Good (Stable under mild alkaline conditions) |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions; strong acids/alkalis may cause hydrolysis |
| Packaging Specifications | 50kg/200kg plastic drum |
Application Recommendations
Tween T-60, with its high HLB value (14.9) and excellent O/W emulsifying properties, is widely used in various industries:
- Food Industry: As an emulsifier and stabilizer, recommended for use in ice cream, cream, baked goods, and beverages to effectively improve product texture, prevent oil-water separation, and extend shelf life.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Added to creams, lotions, shampoos, body washes, etc., to help uniformly mix oil and water, providing a fine skin feel and excellent system stability. Recommended dosage depends on formulation requirements.
- Pharmaceutical Preparations: Used as a solubilizer and emulsifier in oral liquids, injections, ointments, and other dosage forms to improve the dispersion and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
- Textile Industry: Acts as an antistatic agent, softener, and wetting agent, used in spinning, weaving, and finishing processes to reduce fiber friction and improve processing performance and fabric hand feel.
- Pesticide Formulations: As an emulsifier for emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, etc., helping to uniformly disperse pesticide active ingredients in water, significantly improving wetting and coverage of the spray liquid.
- Plastics and Polymer Industry: Used as an internal antistatic agent or dispersing aid in plastic films and injection-molded parts to reduce surface static accumulation, improve processing fluidity, and product appearance quality.
- Compatibility Recommendations: This product has excellent compatibility and can be compounded with various ionic and nonionic surfactants to achieve synergistic effects.
Precautions
- Tween T-60 is a non-hazardous substance with extremely low acute oral toxicity (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg), but direct contact with concentrated product may cause mild skin or eye irritation. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation.
- The product has a high flash point (>150°C) and poses no flammability or explosion risk under normal use and storage conditions, but it should still be kept away from open flames and high heat sources.
- It is hygroscopic. After opening, reseal as soon as possible. Do not pour unused product back into the original container to avoid moisture absorption and deterioration.
- Avoid storing with strong acids, strong alkalis, and strong oxidizing agents to prevent hydrolysis reactions that may degrade product performance.
- Recommended storage container materials are stainless steel, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), or carbon steel with an epoxy-phenolic lining. Avoid prolonged contact with copper or copper alloys.
- The solidification point is approximately 20~25°C. Solidification may occur in low-temperature environments. Before use, slowly warm up within the recommended temperature range and stir evenly. Do not use high heat or rapid heating.
- Waste disposal should comply with local environmental regulations. Do not discharge the product or its washing wastewater into surface water, groundwater, or sewage systems.
