Tween T-80 (Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate) has an HLB value of 15, making it a hydrophilic O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier. It is liquid at room temperature and readily soluble in water and various organic solvents. The general usage principle is to precisely control the concentration and adopt appropriate dispersion and emulsification processes based on the final product system type. Due to its high viscosity (kinematic viscosity of approximately 425 mm²/s at 40°C), it may be viscous at low temperatures. It is recommended to preheat it to 25-30°C before use to facilitate pouring and mixing, or first pre-disperse it with a small amount of warm water to activate it before adding to the main system.
In emulsification applications, when preparing oil-in-water emulsions, Tween T-80 is typically dissolved in the water phase, and the oil phase is slowly added under rapid stirring (e.g., using a homogenizer or colloid mill). The recommended dosage is 0.5%-5% of the total system weight. To enhance long-term emulsion stability, it is often combined with low-HLB emulsifiers (such as the Span series) to form a composite emulsification system. In solubilization applications, such as solubilizing poorly soluble flavors, fat-soluble vitamins, or essential oils into water-based formulations, the classic method is to pre-mix Tween T-80 with the substance to be solubilized in a ratio of 1:1 to 3:1 until uniformly transparent, then slowly add this mixture into water under gentle stirring to form a clear, transparent micellar solution.
| Parameter Item | Typical Value | Impact on Usage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber liquid | Becomes nearly colorless when dissolved in water, does not affect the color system of the finished product |
| HLB Value | 15.0 | High HLB value determines its priority use as O/W emulsifier and solubilizer |
| Active Content | ≥97% | High effective concentration; dosage calculation in formulations should be based on actual active content |
| pH Value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0 - 7.0 | Weakly acidic to neutral, beneficial for protecting pH-sensitive components |
| Kinematic Viscosity (40°C) | Approx. 425 mm²/s | High viscosity at room temperature; preheating or dilution recommended for handling |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | Approx. 93°C | Remains clear in high-temperature process water; good thermal stability |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 1.3×10⁻⁵ mol/L | Very low CMC value means micelle formation with minimal amount; high solubilization efficiency |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 | Mild; a safety reference indicator for food and pharmaceutical grade applications |
| Water Content | ≤3.0% | Low moisture content, helpful for controlling overall water activity of the formulation |
| Flash Point | >149°C | Keep away from open flames during use; control heating below this temperature |