Tween T-85 is a nonionic surfactant, chemically named polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate (Polysorbate 85), with CAS number 9005-70-3. It is widely used in industry as an O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, and dispersant.
Detailed Description
Tween T-85 is a classic nonionic surfactant from Guoli Chemical, appearing as a light yellow to amber viscous liquid. Its molecular structure features three oleic acid long chains as hydrophobic groups and a polyoxyethylene chain of 20 ethylene oxide units as hydrophilic groups, with a molecular weight of about 1900 and an HLB value of 11. It is a hydrophilic emulsifier suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion systems.
This product exhibits excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, wetting, and dispersing capabilities, forming stable emulsions in various complex systems. It shows good tolerance to acids, bases, and hard water, with stable chemical properties suitable for demanding process conditions. Additionally, Tween T-85 has good compatibility with various ionic and nonionic additives, making it easy to compound and a highly flexible surfactant choice in formulation development.
Tween T-85 is not only used in industrial fields (pesticides, textiles, coatings, metalworking, oil exploitation, etc.) but also has obtained food additive certification (E436) due to its good safety profile, allowing use as an emulsifier and solubilizer in food processing. In the cosmetics industry, its light, non-greasy feel makes it popular in creams, lotions, and makeup remover oils.
Technical Parameters
| Item | Parameter |
|---|
| Chemical Name | Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate |
| Aliases | Polysorbate 85 / Tween 85 / Polysorbate 85 / E436 |
| CAS Number | 9005-70-3 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| HLB Value | 11 |
| Active Content | ≥97% |
| Molecular Weight | ~1900 |
| pH (1% aqueous dispersion) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Acid Value | ≤2 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 mg KOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | 65~85 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤3.0% |
| Density (25°C) | 1.02~1.08 g/cm³ |
| Viscosity (25°C) | 300~500 mPa·s (low shear) |
| Surface Tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C) | ~38 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | 0.03 g/L (25°C) |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >150°C |
| Freezing Point | <0°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in oils and organic solvents, dispersible in water |
| Foaming Characteristics | Low foam |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Packaging Specifications | 50kg/200kg plastic drum |
Application Suggestions
Tween T-85 is widely used in multiple industries. Guoli Chemical recommends the following typical scenarios and usage methods:
- Pesticide Formulations: Used as an emulsifier and wetting agent to uniformly disperse oil-soluble pesticide active ingredients in water, enhancing the spreading and penetration of the spray liquid on plant leaves. The recommended dosage is generally 3% to 8% of the total formulation, adjusted based on the type of pesticide active ingredient and formulation.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as a hydrophilic emulsifier in O/W formulations such as creams, lotions, and makeup remover oils, typically compounded with other Tween or Span series. Recommended dosage is 1% to 5%, forming a stable and fine emulsion with a light, non-greasy feel.
- Food Processing: Used as food additive E436 in products such as baking fats, ice cream, and sauces to improve texture and mouthfeel, prevent oil-water separation. Usage must comply with local food regulations' limits.
- Metalworking Fluids: Used in formulating semi-synthetic and emulsifiable cutting fluids as primary or auxiliary emulsifiers to quickly emulsify base oils into stable working fluids. Recommended to compound with anionic emulsifiers, with dosage of 5% to 15% of the concentrate total.
- Coatings and Emulsion Polymerization: Used as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization to promote monomer dispersion, stabilize the polymerization process, and improve storage stability and film-forming performance of the final emulsion. Recommended dosage is 1% to 3% of the total monomer amount.
- Oil Exploitation: Used as an emulsifier in drilling fluids and oilfield stimulation fluids to stabilize oil-based or water-based mixed systems, improve drilling fluid rheology and cuttings carrying capacity. Dosage depends on field conditions.
Precautions
- Tween T-85 is hygroscopic. Seal the container immediately after use to prevent moisture absorption and deterioration.
- A 5% aqueous dispersion is unstable; it is recommended to prepare it freshly. If pre-mixed emulsion is needed, compound with other surfactants to improve dispersion stability in water.
- During operation, wear chemical safety goggles to avoid mild irritation from splashes into eyes; maintain good ventilation in the workplace.
- Storage temperature should be kept between 5°C and 40°C, avoiding freezing or overheating degradation. Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.
- This product is a non-flammable liquid (flash point >150°C) and is not classified as a dangerous chemical, but general industrial hygiene practices should still be followed. Dispose of waste according to local regulations.
