Tween T-60, chemically known as Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, also referred to as Polysorbate 60, with CAS number 9005-67-8, molecular formula C64H126O26, and molecular weight approximately 1312. It is a polyol-type nonionic surfactant obtained by the condensation reaction of sorbitan monostearate with ethylene oxide. Its appearance is a light yellow to amber oily liquid or paste, with a solidification point of about 20~25°C, so it may become paste-like at low winter temperatures, which is normal.
As a nonionic surfactant, Tween T-60 exhibits excellent compatibility and can be compounded with various ionic and nonionic surfactants. Its HLB value is as high as 14.9, indicating strong hydrophilicity, and it is readily soluble in water and organic solvents. It forms a stable interfacial film at the oil-water interface, significantly reducing interfacial tension (the surface tension of a 1% aqueous solution is only 42~45 mN/m), producing emulsions that are fine, uniform, and highly stable. Additionally, it has high tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water environments, maintaining functional stability within the pH range of 5.0~7.0, making it suitable for complex formulation systems.
Tween T-60 is classified as practically non-toxic, with an oral LD50 in rats > 5000 mg/kg, a flash point above 150°C, and no risk of combustion or explosion under normal conditions of use and storage, meeting the safety requirements for food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade applications. The product is packaged in 50kg or 200kg plastic drums and should be stored in a cool, dry place at 5°C to 35°C, with a shelf life of two years.
| Parameter | Specification/Indicator | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate | Also known as Polysorbate 60 |
| CAS Number | 9005-67-8 | — |
| Ion Type | Nonionic Surfactant | — |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber oily liquid/paste | Solidification point approx. 20~25°C |
| HLB Value | 14.9 | Strong hydrophilicity, O/W type emulsifier |
| Active Content | ≥99% | — |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 | Measured at 25°C |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | 76~78°C | — |
| Acid Value | ≤2.0 mgKOH/g | — |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 mgKOH/g | — |
| Hydroxyl Value | 81~96 mgKOH/g | — |
| Moisture Content | ≤3.0% | — |
| Density (25°C) | 1.05~1.10 g/cm³ | — |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | 400~600 mm²/s | Viscous liquid |
| 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) | — |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 | Very low unsaturation |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >150°C | — |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg | — |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg | — |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water and organic solvents | — |
| Packaging Specification | 50kg / 200kg Plastic drum | — |
| Shelf Life | Two years from date of manufacture | Under normal temperature and sealed conditions |
(The above technical parameters are from real data in the Guoli Chemical product database.)
With its excellent multifunctional properties such as emulsification, solubilization, wetting, and antistatic effects, Tween T-60 plays a key role in the following six major areas: