Tween 60 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, CAS No.: 9005-67-8) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 14.9 and strong hydrophilicity. It is mainly used as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier and solubilizer. The product appears as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid or paste at room temperature (solidification point approximately 20~25°C). If solidification or stratification occurs before use, this is normal; simply heat to 25~35°C and stir evenly to restore the fluid state without affecting product performance. It is easily soluble in water and most organic solvents and can be used in combination with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, exhibiting excellent compatibility.
The basic method of use is to add Tween 60 to the water phase, stir to dissolve, and then mix with the oil phase for emulsification. Alternatively, it can be first mixed with oil-soluble components and then added to water for emulsification. For solubilization purposes (e.g., solubilizing flavors or essential oils), Tween 60 is usually premixed with the substance to be solubilized in a certain proportion, and then water is slowly added with stirring until a transparent state is achieved. According to the product parameters from the Guoli Chemical Database, its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is approximately 0.003% (w/v), surface tension is 42~45 mN/m (1% aqueous solution), and the cloud point of a 1% aqueous solution is 76~78°C. The emulsification performance is stable during low to medium temperature operations. It has a wide pH application range (pH of 1% aqueous solution is 5.0~7.0) and maintains functional stability under mild acidic and alkaline conditions.
Below are recommended dosage ranges based on common industry practices (the Guoli Chemical Database does not provide specific dosage values for each application field; the following are industry empirical reference values):
| Application Field | Use | Recommended Dosage (% of total formulation weight) | Usage Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Industry | Emulsifier, stabilizer | 0.1%~0.5% | Dissolve in the water phase, then mix with oil phase for emulsification. Used in ice cream, baking fats, coffee creamers, etc. |
| Cosmetics/Personal Care | Emulsifier | 1%~5% | Add to the water phase, heat to 70~75°C, then homogenize with the oil phase. Used in creams and lotions. |
| Cosmetics/Personal Care | Solubilizer (flavors/essential oils) | Solubilizate:T-60 ≈ 1:3~1:5 | First mix Tween 60 with the flavor/essential oil evenly, then slowly add water until transparent. |
| Pharmaceutical Preparations | Solubilizer, emulsifier | 0.5%~5% | Used in oral solutions, ointment bases. Dissolve in the water phase or add directly to the formulation. |
| Textile Industry | Antistatic agent, wetting agent | 0.2%~1% | Prepare working solution for use during spinning or finishing processes. |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsifier | 3%~8% | Used in emulsifiable concentrate or water emulsion formulations. Better results when compounded with other emulsifiers. |
| Plastics and Polymers | Internal lubricant, antistatic agent | 0.1%~0.5% | Add directly to the resin during mixing or plasticizing stages. |