Tween T-80 (Polysorbate 80) is a classic non-ionic surfactant with slight hygroscopicity. The core principles for its storage are moisture prevention, heat prevention, and contamination prevention. The product is chemically stable under normal conditions, but it may undergo hydrolysis when exposed to strong acids or strong alkalis, so it must be kept away from such incompatible substances. Following the safety guidelines from Guoli Chemical and strictly adhering to storage specifications ensures that the product's performance does not significantly degrade within its shelf life.
Regarding the shelf life, the Guoli Chemical product database does not provide an exact shelf life value. Based on general industry standards and the chemical stability of Tween T-80, under unopened conditions and with proper storage as mentioned, the typical shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It is recommended that users follow the specific expiration date indicated on the product outer packaging label, use the product as soon as possible after opening, and reseal the container tightly after each use.
| Storage Item | Specific Requirement |
|---|---|
| Environmental Requirements | Cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated warehouse |
| Temperature Range | Recommended 10-30°C; avoid freezing (low melting point, liquid form) and excessively high temperatures |
| Container Status | Must remain tightly sealed; after opening and use, immediately reseal and keep labels clear |
| Keep Away from Hazard Sources | Keep away from heat sources, sparks, open flames, strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong alkalis, and other incompatible substances |
| Hygroscopicity Management | The product is hygroscopic; prevent moisture ingress into the container to avoid increased water content |
| Emergency Temperature | Flash point >149°C, but still avoid extremely high temperatures to prevent decomposition |
Although the typical shelf life is 2 years, for products stored long-term or under harsh conditions, it is recommended to check key quality indicators before use. Focus on appearance (should be a pale yellow to amber liquid, no stratification or turbidity), pH value (1% aqueous solution should be within 5.0-7.0), acid value (should be ≤2.0 mgKOH/g), and moisture content (should be ≤3.0%). If these indicators deviate from the normal range, it may indicate that the product has undergone hydrolysis or moisture absorption deterioration and should not be used.
In fields with strict microbiological requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and food, products stored for extended periods after opening should also be checked for microbial limits. It is recommended to re-test according to relevant pharmacopoeia or national standard methods before use to ensure safety.