Tween T-85 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate, CAS No. 9005-70-3) is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 11, indicating strong hydrophilicity, making it suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. According to the Guoli Chemical product database, this product is a light yellow to amber viscous liquid at room temperature, easily soluble in oils and organic solvents, and dispersible in water, with a kinematic viscosity of approximately 300 mm²/s (25°C). It is recommended to preheat the product at 25°C to 40°C before use to reduce viscosity for easier handling and dispersion.
General emulsification procedure: ① Premix Tween T-85 with the oil phase (base oils, oil-soluble active ingredients, etc.) uniformly, heating and stirring at 40~60°C to facilitate dissolution; ② Under continuous stirring, slowly add the water phase to the oil phase-emulsifier mixture, or use the phase inversion method to add the oil phase to the water phase; ③ Treat with a homogenizer or high-shear mixer for 2~5 minutes to obtain a uniform and stable emulsion. Due to the low foam characteristics of Tween T-85, excessive bubbles are not easily generated during stirring, making operation convenient. Its critical micelle concentration (CMC) is only 0.03 g/L (25°C), allowing significant emulsifying and solubilizing effects at low concentrations.
Tween T-85 has good compatibility with various ionic and nonionic additives and is often used in combination with Span series to adjust the HLB value for better emulsion stability. The product exhibits excellent tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, functioning stably in systems with a wide pH range. Additionally, the product has an active content ≥97% and a moisture content ≤3.0%; when used, moisture should be deducted to calculate the actual amount of active substance added.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Ionic type | Nonionic |
| HLB value | 11 |
| Active content | ≥97% |
| pH (1% aqueous dispersion) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Density (25°C) | 1.02~1.08 |
| Kinematic viscosity (25°C) | ~300 mm²/s |
| Critical micelle concentration (25°C) | 0.03 g/L |
| Surface tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C) | ~38 mN/m |
| Flash point (closed cup) | >150°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in oils and organic solvents, dispersible in water |
| Foam characteristic | Low foam |
1. Pesticide formulations: As an emulsifier and wetting agent, the recommended dosage is 3%~8% of the total formulation. Premix Tween T-85 with pesticide technical material and solvents (such as xylene, solvent oil) as the oil phase, then dilute with water to form an emulsion. It can enhance the spreading and penetration of the spray liquid on plant leaves, improving efficacy. (Data source: Guoli Chemical product database application fields)
2. Cosmetics: Used in O/W formulations such as creams, lotions, and makeup removers, the recommended dosage is 5%~15% by weight of the oil phase. A common practice is to combine with low-HLB emulsifiers like Span-85 to obtain a more stable emulsion with a refreshing, non-greasy skin feel.
3. Metalworking fluids: As the main emulsifier for emulsifiable cutting fluids, the recommended dosage is 8%~15% of the total concentrate. Premix Tween T-85 with base oil, rust inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, etc., then dilute with water to a 5%~10% working solution before use.
4. Coatings and emulsion polymerization: As an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization, the recommended dosage is 2%~6% of the total monomer weight. It can be used in combination with anionic emulsifiers (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate) to improve the particle size uniformity and storage stability of the polymer emulsion.
5. Textile auxiliaries: As a component of spinning oil, the recommended dosage is 5%~10%; when used as a dispersant in dyeing and finishing, the dosage is generally 2%~5% of the dye weight, promoting uniform dispersion of the dye in the dyebath.
6. Food processing: As a food emulsifier, the dosage must comply with the regulations for polysorbate 85 (INS No. 436/E436) in GB 2760, typically in the range of 0.1%~1.0%, varying by food category.