Castor Oil Ethoxylates: Product Description and Uses
Product Description
Castor Oil Ethoxylates are non-ionic surfactants derived from castor oil through a process called ethoxylation. This process involves the addition of ethylene oxide to castor oil, resulting in a product that exhibits excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing properties. Castor Oil Ethoxylates are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them suitable for various applications across multiple industries.
Uses
Castor Oil Ethoxylates are versatile compounds used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Personal Care Products: Used as emulsifiers and solubilizers in creams, lotions, and shampoos.
- Household Cleaning Products: Acts as a surfactant in detergents and cleaners, enhancing cleaning efficiency.
- Industrial Applications: Utilized in textile processing, paint formulations, and as a lubricant in metalworking fluids.
- Agricultural Products: Employed as adjuvants in pesticide formulations to improve the spread and adhesion of active ingredients.
- Food Industry: Used as emulsifiers in food products, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
Technical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ethoxylated Castor Oil |
| CAS Number | Varies by specific product |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 50 – 100 |
| Molecular Weight | Varies (typically 300 – 600) |
| Cloud Point | 40 – 60 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and oils |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
Key Benefits
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.
- Effective: Enhances the performance of formulations by improving emulsification and wetting properties.
In summary, Castor Oil Ethoxylates are valuable ingredients in many formulations, providing effective solutions for emulsification and surfactancy while being environmentally conscious.