Tween T-60 (Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate) is a non-ionic surfactant, typically appearing as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid or paste at room temperature. Its molecular weight is approximately 1312, with CAS number 9005-67-8. This product exhibits excellent water solubility and organic solvent solubility, along with hygroscopicity. It is commonly used as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier and solubilizer in formulations.
In terms of surface activity parameters, its HLB value is as high as 14.9, and the cloud point ranges from 76 to 78°C, which determines its strong hydrophilicity and ability to remain stably dispersed in high-temperature water. The low critical micelle concentration (approximately 3×10⁻⁵ mol/L) means it can form micelles and perform solubilization and emulsification functions even at very low addition levels.
Additionally, its chemical stability is good, but it is sensitive to strong acids and strong bases, where hydrolysis may occur. Overall, the indicators of Tween T-60 are standardized, meeting the strict requirements of industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals regarding raw material purity and performance.
| Parameter Item | Data Indicator |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate |
| CAS Number | 9005-67-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C64H126O26 (approx.) |
| Molecular Weight | ~1312 |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Solidification Point | Approximately 20~25°C |
| Density (25°C) | 1.05~1.10 |
| HLB Value | 14.9 |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | 76~78°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| pH Value (5% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Acid Value | ≤2.0 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 81~96 mgKOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 |
| Moisture Content | ≤3.0% |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | 400~600 mm²/s |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.472~1.476 |
| Flash Point | >150°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water and organic solvents |
| Surface Tension (1% aqueous solution, 25°C) | 42~45 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approximately 3×10⁻⁵ mol/L (0.003% w/v) |
| Monoester Content | 45~55% |
| Diester Content | 10~20% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions, strong acid/base can cause hydrolysis |
| Foaming Property | Moderate foaming |
| Alkali Resistance | Good (stable under mild alkaline conditions) |
| Hygroscopicity | Yes |
Due to its high HLB value and excellent emulsifying and solubilizing properties, Tween T-60 is highly suitable for constructing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems. In the food industry, it can be used in ice cream, baking fats, etc.; in cosmetics, it is used in creams, lotions, and shampoos; in pharmaceutical preparations, it serves as a solubilizer to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
In the textile and plastic industries, it is mainly used as an antistatic agent and wetting agent, effectively reducing static accumulation on material surfaces and improving processing fluidity. It is recommended to use it in combination with low HLB value emulsifiers (such as Span series) to achieve more stable and fine emulsion effects.