CASTOR OIL ETHOXYLATES 20

Castor oil ethoxylates with 20 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) are a type of nonionic surfactant derived from castor oil. The ethoxylation process involves reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide to add 20 moles of EO to the castor oil molecule. This modification enhances the surfactant properties of the castor oil, making it more water-soluble and improving its emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities.

Key Characteristics:

1. Nonionic Surfactant: It does not ionize in water, making it compatible with a wide range of other surfactants and chemicals.

2. Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): The HLB value increases with the degree of ethoxylation. A 20-mole ethoxylate typically has a high HLB, making it suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

3. Solubility: Highly soluble in water due to the 20 moles of EO.

4. Biodegradability: Generally biodegradable, as it is derived from natural castor oil.

5. Mildness: Often used in personal care products due to its mildness on the skin.

Applications:

1. Personal Care: Used in shampoos, conditioners, and skin care products as an emulsifier, solubilizer, or conditioning agent.

2. Industrial Cleaners: Effective in degreasing and cleaning formulations due to its ability to emulsify oils and fats.

3. Textiles: Used as a wetting agent, emulsifier, or dyeing assistant in textile processing.

4. Agriculture: Acts as an adjuvant in pesticide formulations to improve spreading and sticking properties.

5. Coatings and Paints: Helps in stabilizing emulsions and improving the application properties of coatings.

Benefits:

• Enhances the stability of emulsions.

• Improves the wetting and spreading properties of formulations.

• Compatible with a wide range of ingredients.

• Derived from renewable resources (castor oil).