Emulsifier (Emulgator)

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Emulsifier is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the family of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs), specifically with an average of 9 ethylene oxide (EO) units. It is widely used as an effective emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing agent. NP-9 is typically a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid, soluble in water and various organic solvents. It is valued for its strong emulsifying ability to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, excellent detergency, and good compatibility with other surfactants and formulation ingredients. NP-9 is commonly employed in industrial, agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and cleaning applications.

Description

Emulsifier (Emulgator) Uses

Primary Uses 
  1. Industrial & Household Cleaning

  • Used in detergents, degreasers, and all-purpose cleaners for its excellent emulsifying and wetting properties.

  • Enhances soil removal by dispersing oily and particulate matter in aqueous cleaning solutions.

  • Stabilizes formulations in heavy-duty liquid detergents and automatic dishwashing liquids.

  1. Agriculture

  • Serves as an emulsifier and dispersant in pesticide and herbicide formulations to improve spray uniformity and active ingredient distribution.

  • Enhances wetting and spreading properties on leaf surfaces, improving efficacy.

  1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Employed in creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products to stabilize emulsions and improve texture and consistency.

  • Improves the solubilization of hydrophobic ingredients, fragrances, and oils.

  • Enhances product spreadability and sensory feel on the skin.

  1. Pharmaceuticals

  • Used in topical creams, ointments, and gels as an emulsifier to ensure stable dispersion of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

  • Facilitates controlled release and bioavailability by maintaining stable formulations.

  1. Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

  • Acts as an emulsifier and dispersant to improve stability and texture in waterborne paints and coatings.

  • Helps maintain uniform particle size distribution in latex and emulsion polymers.

 

Secondary Uses 
  1. Textile Industry

  • Used as a wetting and emulsifying agent during dyeing and finishing processes to improve dye uptake and uniformity.

  1. Rubber & Plastics

  • Applied as a dispersant and emulsifier in polymerization and compounding processes.

  1. Metalworking Fluids

Stabilizes emulsions in cutting oils and metalworking fluids to improve cooling and lubricating performance.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Nonylphenol, ethoxylated with ~9 EO units

  • Common/Trade Name: Emulsifier NP-9, Emulgator NP-9

  • CAS Number: 9016-45-9 (for nonylphenol ethoxylates generally)

  • HS Code: 3402.19.00

  • Molecular Formula: Variable (C15H24O + EO)n (depends on EO units)

  • Synonyms:

    • Nonylphenol Polyethoxylate (9 EO)

    • NP-9

    • Nonylphenol Ethoxylate 9

    • Polyethylene glycol nonylphenyl ether

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid

  • Odor: Mild phenolic odor

  • pH (1% aqueous solution): Typically 6–8 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

  • Solubility: Soluble in water and various organic solvents (alcohols, glycols)

  • Stability: Stable under normal storage; sensitive to strong acids and bases

  • Cloud Point: Approx. 60–65°C (varies with concentration)

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous but may cause skin and eye irritation

  • Toxicity: Moderate; avoid prolonged exposure

  • Exposure Limits: Not specifically established

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and oxidizers

  • Container Type: Polyethylene drums or containers with tight seals

  • Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months if stored properly

  • Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of vapors and skin/eye contact

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status: Subject to environmental and safety regulations due to nonylphenol component (some restrictions in certain regions)

  • REACH Registration: Registered but usage restrictions apply in EU for environmental concerns

  • FDA Status: Not generally used in food products; cosmetic and industrial uses only

  1. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable; concerns over persistence in aquatic environments

  • Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; use with caution to avoid environmental release

  • Bioaccumulation: Potential for bioaccumulation due to nonylphenol content

Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic; some environmental toxicity concerns

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Safety goggles or face shield

  • Protective clothing (lab coat or apron)

  • Adequate ventilation or respirator if vapors are present

Handling Guidelines:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of vapors

  • Prevent skin and eye contact; wash thoroughly after handling

  • Avoid spills and release into environment

Storage Measures:

  • Keep containers tightly closed

  • Store away from strong oxidizers and heat sources

  • Protect from freezing and direct sunlight

Hygiene Practices:

  • Wash hands and exposed skin after handling

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the chemical

  • Clean equipment and surfaces regularly to prevent residue buildup

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms develop

  • Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation persists

  • Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present; seek medical attention if irritation continues

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; can release toxic fumes when burned

  • Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), water spray

  • Special Precautions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gear

  • Decomposition Products: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, phenolic compounds, and other toxic gases upon combustion