Tween T-85 (Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate, CAS No.: 9005-70-3) is a polysorbate-type nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. Its molecular structure contains three oleic acid hydrophobic chains and twenty polyoxyethylene hydrophilic units, with an average molecular weight of about 1900. This unique structure gives it an HLB value of about 11, and it has both oil solubility and water dispersibility — it is easily soluble in mineral oil, vegetable oil, and most organic solvents, and can be dispersed in water to form an emulsion. The product has an effective content of ≥97%, a free alcohol content of ≤1%, and a moisture content of ≤3.0%, with high overall purity and strong formulation adaptability.
In terms of physicochemical stability, Tween T-85 exhibits good tolerance: it is a non-flammable liquid with a flash point greater than 150°C (closed cup). It has good tolerance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, and is compatible with various ionic and nonionic auxiliaries. Its surface activity is excellent; the surface tension of a 0.1% aqueous solution is about 38 mN/m (25°C), and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) is as low as 0.03 g/L, allowing it to exert significant interfacial activity even at low concentrations.
As a food additive E436 variety, the safety of Tween T-85 has been fully verified. According to EC 1272/2008, it is not classified as a hazardous substance, with no hazard pictograms, no signal word, no hazard statements. The heavy metal content (as Pb) is ≤10 mg/kg, and the arsenic content is ≤2 mg/kg, meeting food-grade application requirements.
| Parameter Category | Parameter Name | Technical Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Physical Properties | Appearance | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Ion Type | Nonionic surfactant | |
| HLB Value | 11 | |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in oils and organic solvents, dispersible in water | |
| Cloud Point | Not applicable (oil-soluble, aqueous dispersion has no cloud point) | |
| Physical Parameters | Density (25°C) | 1.02~1.08 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approx. 300 mm²/s | |
| Low Shear Viscosity (25°C) | 300~500 mPa·s | |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.470~1.480 | |
| Melting Point | <0°C | |
| Chemical Indicators | Acid Value | ≤2 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 45~55 mg KOH/g | |
| Hydroxyl Value | 65~85 mg KOH/g | |
| Iodine Value | ≤2 g I₂/100g | |
| pH (1% aqueous dispersion) | 5.0~7.0 | |
| Quality Indicators | Effective Content/Solid Content | ≥97% |
| Moisture | ≤3.0% | |
| Free Alcohol | ≤1% | |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 mg/kg | |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg | |
| Surface Activity | Surface Tension (0.1% aqueous solution, 25°C) | Approx. 38 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration CMC (25°C) | 0.03 g/L | |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming | |
| Chemical Stability | Stable, avoid strong acids, strong alkalis, and high temperatures | |
| Safety Data | Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >150°C |
| Hazard Classification | Non-hazardous substance (EC 1272/2008) | |
| Hygroscopicity | Hygroscopic |
Note: The above data are from the product database of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd.
Based on its emulsifying properties with an HLB value of 11, Tween T-85 is particularly suitable for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. In pesticide formulations, it is used as an emulsifier and wetting agent. The recommended dosage is 2%~8% of the total formulation, which can significantly improve the dispersion stability and leaf surface spreading of oil-soluble pesticides in water. In cosmetic creams and makeup remover formulas, the recommended addition amount is 1%~5%, forming a stable emulsion with a light skin feel. In metalworking fluids, it can be used as a primary or auxiliary emulsifier with a recommended dosage of 3%~10%, and when used with base oils, it quickly forms a stable semi-synthetic/emulsifiable working fluid.
In the food industry, Tween T-85 as emulsifier E436 can be used in baking fats, ice cream, seasonings, and other products. The general usage amount should not exceed 1% of the final product weight. In coating emulsion polymerization, the recommended dosage is 1%~3% of the total monomer, which can yield a stable polymer emulsion. In textile dyeing and finishing, as a dye dispersant, the recommended dosage is 0.5%~2%. In the petroleum drilling field, the common usage amount in drilling fluid systems is 0.5%~3%.
Due to its lipophilic nature, Tween T-85 only disperses in water but does not dissolve. If used in an aqueous system, it is recommended to pre-disperse with a small amount of warm water, and if necessary, use high-speed stirring or homogenization to obtain a uniform emulsion. When combined with low HLB emulsifiers (such as the Span series), the emulsification range and stability can be further expanded.