As a classic nonionic surfactant, Tween-80 is core applied in eight major industries: pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, textiles, coatings and inks, agrochemicals, petroleum, and daily chemicals, primarily serving functions of emulsification, solubilization, dispersion, and wetting.
Detailed Description
Tween-80 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, CAS: 9005-65-6) is a high-efficiency O/W emulsifier. Its molecular structure contains both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups, significantly reducing oil-water interfacial tension, maintaining excellent stability in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, and widely compatible with ionic and nonionic auxiliaries.
In the pharmaceutical field, Tween-80 is used for solubilizing poorly soluble drugs and preparing oral or injectable emulsions to enhance the bioavailability of active ingredients; in the food industry, it serves as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products such as ice cream, baking fats, and beverages; in cosmetics, it is used for emulsification and solubilization in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and perfumes.
In industrial applications, Tween-80 is used in the textile industry as an antistatic agent and softener in synthetic fiber spinning oils; in coatings and inks, it acts as a pigment dispersant and wetting agent, also serving emulsion polymerization processes; in agrochemicals, it is used for emulsification and spreading of pesticide emulsifiable concentrates; in petroleum drilling fluids, it serves as an emulsifier; in daily chemical cleaners, it solubilizes fragrances and oil stains.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate |
| CAS Number | 9005-65-6 |
| Surfactant Type | Nonionic |
| Emulsion Type | O/W (Oil-in-Water) |
| Core Functions | Emulsification, solubilization, wetting, dispersion, antistatic |
| Chemical Compatibility | Resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water |
| GHS Classification | Non-hazardous substance or mixture |
Application Recommendations
- Pharmaceutical Preparations: As a solubilizer and emulsifier for injections, oral liquids, and topical ointments, ensuring bioavailability and formulation stability of active ingredients.
- Food Processing: Used in ice cream, baking fats, beverages, etc., to improve texture and mouthfeel, and extend shelf life.
- Cosmetic Formulations: Acts as an emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, makeup removers, and perfumes, providing a refreshing skin feel.
- Textile Fibers: As an antistatic and softening component in spinning oils, reducing fiber friction and improving spinnability.
- Coatings and Inks: Used for pigment wetting and dispersion as well as emulsion polymerization emulsification, preventing flocculation.
- Pesticide Formulations: Enhances spreading and penetration of pesticide solutions on plant leaf surfaces in emulsifiable concentrates and water emulsions.
- Petroleum Drilling: Forms stable water-in-oil or oil-in-water drilling fluid systems.
- Daily Chemical Cleaning: Solubilizes fragrances and oil stains in laundry detergents and kitchen cleaners, improving cleaning effectiveness.
Precautions
- Recommended to wear chemical protective gloves and goggles during operation; avoid direct contact with eyes and skin.
- Store at 10-30°C in a completely sealed container to prevent moisture absorption.
- Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers; maintain good ventilation.
- In case of leakage, contain with inert absorbent material; prevent entry into drainage systems and surface water.
- Low toxicity to aquatic organisms, but still comply with local regulations; do not discharge untreated product directly into the environment.
