Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) – Product Description and Uses
Product Description:
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate (NPE) is a non-ionic surfactant derived from the ethoxylation of nonylphenol. It is characterized by its excellent wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. NPE is widely used in various industrial applications due to its ability to enhance the performance of cleaning agents, detergents, and other formulations. The chemical structure of NPE allows it to interact effectively with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances, making it a versatile ingredient in many formulations.
Uses:
- Industrial Cleaning: NPE is commonly used in industrial cleaning formulations, including degreasers and heavy-duty cleaners, due to its ability to break down oils and grease.
- Agricultural Applications: It serves as a surfactant in pesticide formulations, improving the spread and adhesion of active ingredients on plant surfaces.
- Textile Industry: NPE is utilized in textile processing for wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing agents, enhancing dye uptake and fabric treatment.
- Personal Care Products: It is found in some personal care products as a surfactant and emulsifier, although its use is being scrutinized due to environmental concerns.
- Paints and Coatings: NPE is used in the formulation of paints and coatings to improve stability and application properties.
Technical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Nonylphenol Ethoxylate |
| Molecular Formula | C15H24O3 |
| CAS Number | 9016-45-9 |
| Appearance | Clear to yellowish liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.05 – 1.10 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and organic solvents |
| Flash Point (°C) | > 100 |
| Viscosity (cP at 25°C) | 50 – 100 |
| Active Content (%) | 100 |
| HLB Value | 13.0 – 15.0 |
Key Features
- Versatile Surfactant: Effective in a wide range of applications due to its amphiphilic nature.
- Emulsifying Agent: Enhances the stability of emulsions in various formulations.
- Environmental Considerations: While effective, NPE is subject to regulatory scrutiny due to its potential environmental impact, particularly in aquatic ecosystems.
Conclusion
Nonylphenol Ethoxylate is a powerful surfactant with diverse applications across multiple industries. However, users should be aware of the environmental implications associated with its use and consider alternatives where possible.