Tween T-81 (Polysorbate 81) is a balanced nonionic water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier with efficient emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting, and dispersing functions, widely used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial auxiliaries.
Detailed Description
Tween T-81, with the chemical name Polyoxyethylene (5) Sorbitan Monooleate (CAS No.: 9005-65-6), also known as Polysorbate 81, Tween 81, PEG-5 Sorbitan Monooleate. It is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as an amber oily liquid, produced by Hai'an County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd.
The molecular structure of Tween T-81 gives it unique amphiphilic properties—the molecule contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic sorbitan monooleate backbone. This structure enables it to significantly reduce oil-water interfacial tension, demonstrating excellent emulsifying ability for various oils and essential oils, especially suitable for constructing stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion systems. Meanwhile, it can also serve as a solubilizer to effectively improve the transparency and stability of poorly soluble substances in formulations.
This product has excellent chemical stability, maintaining activity over a wide pH range, resistant to acids, bases, and hard water, and is not prone to reactions with other electrolytes. Additionally, when used in combination with the Span series (sorbitan fatty acid esters), Tween T-81 can flexibly adjust the HLB value for more precise emulsification, demonstrating good synergistic effects.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Data |
|---|
| Product Name | Tween T-81 |
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (5) Sorbitan Monooleate |
| CAS No. | 9005-65-6 |
| Aliases | Polysorbate 81, Tween 81, PEG-5 Sorbitan Monooleate, POE(5) Sorbitan Monooleate |
| Product Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Appearance | Amber Oily Liquid |
| Emulsion System Type | Water-in-Oil (W/O) Type |
| GHS Classification | Eye Irritation (Category 2), H319 |
| Signal Word | Warning |
Note: Some detailed physicochemical parameters (e.g., HLB value, hydroxyl value, saponification value, cloud point) are not available in the database for this product. It is recommended to contact Guoli Chemical for a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Application Recommendations
Leveraging its multifunctional properties, Tween T-81 has significant applications in various industries:
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: As a lipophilic emulsifier and wetting agent in creams, lotions, cleansing oils, and bath oils, providing a fine texture and pleasant skin feel; as a solubilizer and fatliquoring agent in shampoos and body washes, improving foam structure.
- Food Industry: Acts as a food-grade emulsifier and stabilizer, suitable for ice cream, margarine, and baked goods, uniformly dispersing fats and improving taste and shape retention.
- Pharmaceutical Preparations: Used as a solubilizer and emulsifier in oral and topical formulations to facilitate dissolution and dispersion of poorly soluble drug ingredients, enhancing bioavailability.
- Pesticides and Agricultural Adjuvants: A key emulsifier for formulating emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and emulsion concentrates, ensuring uniform dispersion of active ingredients and enhancing wetting and spreading on target surfaces.
- Coatings, Inks, and Pigments: Acts as a pigment wetting and dispersing agent and emulsion stabilizer, improving system fluidity, preventing floating and flooding, and enhancing coating gloss and adhesion.
- Metalworking Fluids: Serves as an emulsion stabilizer and boundary lubricant additive in water-based metal cutting and grinding fluids, extending tool life.
- Textile and Leather Processing: Used as a component in leveling agents, softeners, and antistatic agents to reduce fiber friction, improve processing smoothness, and enhance fabric hand feel.
Precautions
Tween T-81 is classified as an eye irritant (GHS Category 2), with the hazard statement H319 "Causes serious eye irritation." The following safety measures should be observed during use:
- Personal Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles, protective gloves, and a face shield during operation (P280).
- Eye Contact Emergency: If substance gets into eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If wearing contact lenses, remove them and continue rinsing (P305+P351+P338); if eye irritation persists, seek medical attention (P337+P313).
- Skin Contact: Wash skin thoroughly after handling (P264); in case of contact, wash with soap and water.
- Storage Conditions: Keep in a sealed original container, stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, with temperature controlled between 5°C and 30°C, avoid freezing and overheating, and keep away from strong oxidizers.
