Nonylphenol Ethoxylate

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Nonylphenol Ethoxylate is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the alkylphenol ethoxylate family, characterized by an average of 9 ethylene oxide units. It is widely used as a detergent, emulsifier, dispersant, and wetting agent in various industrial and commercial applications. NPE9 offers excellent cleaning power, low foaming properties, and good compatibility with other surfactants, making it a versatile ingredient in formulations such as textile processing, paints, coatings, and metal treatment.

 

Description

Nonylphenol Ethoxylate

Primary Uses 

  1. Industrial Cleaning and Detergents
    • Acts as a powerful emulsifier and wetting agent in heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers.
    • Used in metal cleaning and surface preparation to remove oils, greases, and soils.
  2. Textile Processing
    • Employed as a detergent and wetting agent in scouring and bleaching operations.
    • Helps in dye penetration and uniform application of textile chemicals.
  3. Paints and Coatings
    • Functions as an emulsifier and dispersant to stabilize pigment dispersions.
    • Improves flow and leveling in water-based paints and coatings.
  4. Agricultural Formulations
    • Used in pesticide formulations as a surfactant to enhance spray coverage and adhesion.

Secondary Uses 

  1. Oil Recovery and Drilling Fluids
    • Utilized as a surfactant to improve oil displacement and emulsification in enhanced oil recovery processes.
  2. Leather Processing
    • Assists in degreasing and wetting during leather manufacture.
  3. Paper Industry
    • Used as a dispersing agent to improve fiber treatment and retention.
  4. Cosmetics and Personal Care (Limited)
    • Occasionally found in formulations where strong emulsification is needed, but usage is declining due to environmental concerns.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

Key Attributes

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Nonylphenol ethoxylate (average EO = 9)
  • Common/Trade Name: NPE9, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate 9
  • CAS Number: 127087-87-0 (varies by exact EO chain length)
  • HS Code: 3402.19.00 (Other non-ionic surface-active agents)
  • Synonyms: NPE-9, Nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Clear to pale yellow liquid
  • Odor: Mild phenolic odor
  • pH (1% solution): 6.0 – 8.0
  • Solubility: Miscible with water and organic solvents
  • Density: Approx. 1.05 – 1.07 g/cm³
  • Cloud Point: Typically 60–70°C (depends on formulation)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification: May cause skin and eye irritation
  • Toxicity: Moderate; avoid prolonged exposure
  • Environmental Concerns: Classified as a hazardous pollutant in some regions due to persistence and endocrine disruption potential

Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight
  • Container Type: Supplied in plastic drums or containers
  • Shelf Life: 12 – 24 months under proper storage
  • Handling Precautions: Use protective gloves and goggles; avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact

 

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Restricted or banned in some countries due to environmental toxicity and persistence
  • Subject to regulations such as REACH (EU) and TSCA (USA) with use restrictions or phase-outs
  • Compliance with industrial chemical standards when used under regulation

 

Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable; breakdown products may be persistent
  • Ecotoxicity: High toxicity to aquatic organisms; bioaccumulative potential in some breakdown products
  • Bioaccumulation: Possible concern with degradation products (nonylphenol)
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic but considered an endocrine disruptor

 

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required: Gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing recommended
  • Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid release to the environment
  • Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; prevent spills and leaks

 

First Aid Measures

  1. Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs
  2. Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical help if irritation persists
  3. Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation continues
  4. Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice promptly

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Combustible liquid; avoid open flames and sparks
  • Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, COâ‚‚, or water spray
  • Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, phenolic compounds