Tween T-60 (Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate) is a polyol-type nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 14.9, making it a hydrophilic emulsifier. In practical use, its operation method, addition sequence, and dosage depend on the specific application scenario. Since the product appears as a light yellow to amber paste or oily liquid at room temperature, it is recommended to warm it slightly (about 30°C to 40°C) before use to reduce viscosity and facilitate weighing and dispersion.
In emulsification applications, Tween T-60 is typically used in combination with lipophilic emulsifiers (such as the Span series, which have lower HLB values). The desired emulsification effect can be achieved by adjusting the ratio of the two. When used as a solubilizer, Tween T-60 is generally mixed evenly with the substance to be solubilized (such as fragrance, essential oil, or fat-soluble active ingredients), and then the water phase is slowly added with stirring to form a transparent or translucent solubilized system.
Tween T-60 has good tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, and can function stably within a pH range of 3 to 10. It exhibits excellent compatibility with other ionic and nonionic surfactants, allowing flexible compounding to meet the needs of different formulations.
| Application Field | Usage Method | Recommended Dosage (as % of total formulation) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Industry | Mix with the oil phase, then add to the water phase with heating and stirring for emulsification; or add directly to the formulation as a stabilizer | 0.1% to 1.0% |
| Cosmetic Creams/Lotions | Heat together with oil-phase components to 70°C to 75°C, heat the water phase to the same temperature, then slowly add the oil phase to the water phase with homogenization emulsification | 1.0% to 4.0% |
| Shampoos/Shower Gels | As a solubilizer, pre-mix Tween T-60 with fragrance or oily ingredients, then slowly add to the formulation with stirring to dissolve | 0.5% to 3.0% |
| Pharmaceutical Preparations | As a solubilizer, mix and grind or heat-dissolve with poorly soluble drugs, then disperse in water; for external ointments, heat together with the oil phase for emulsification | 0.5% to 5.0% |
| Pesticide Emulsifiable Concentrates/Microemulsions | Mix evenly with technical pesticide and solvent; when used, dilute with water and self-emulsify to form a stable emulsion | 3.0% to 10.0% |
| Textile Processing | As a leveling agent or antistatic agent, add directly to the treatment bath, stir evenly before use | 0.5 to 3.0 g/L (treatment bath concentration) |
| Plastics and Polymers | As an internal antistatic agent or lubricant, mix with resin pellets and then process by extrusion or injection molding | 0.2% to 2.0% |
Emulsion System Optimization Tips: The HLB value of Tween T-60 is approximately 14.9. When used alone, it is suitable for preparing O/W emulsions. If emulsifying oil phases of different polarities, it is recommended to combine it with low-HLB emulsifiers (such as Span-60, HLB≈4.7). The combined HLB value can be calculated by weighted average based on the weight ratio of each component. The target HLB value should match the required HLB of the oil phase to achieve optimal emulsion stability.
Key Points for Solubilization: When using Tween T-60 to solubilize fragrances or essential oils, it is recommended to use a ratio of Tween T-60 to the solubilized substance between 2:1 and 5:1. First, stir the two together evenly to form a transparent mixture, then slowly add the water phase under stirring. If turbidity occurs, increase the amount of Tween T-60 or apply mild heating to promote solubilization.
High-Temperature Operation Precautions: In processes requiring heating for emulsification, Tween T-60 can operate stably at 70°C to 80°C. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 150°C should be avoided to prevent thermal decomposition. After emulsification, it is recommended to cool down under stirring to maintain the fineness and stability of the emulsion.