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
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Nonylphenol Ethoxylate
Primary UsesÂ
- 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.
- Textile Processing
- Employed as a detergent and wetting agent in scouring and bleaching operations.
- Helps in dye penetration and uniform application of textile chemicals.
- Paints and Coatings
- Functions as an emulsifier and dispersant to stabilize pigment dispersions.
- Improves flow and leveling in water-based paints and coatings.
- Agricultural Formulations
- Used in pesticide formulations as a surfactant to enhance spray coverage and adhesion.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Oil Recovery and Drilling Fluids
- Utilized as a surfactant to improve oil displacement and emulsification in enhanced oil recovery processes.
- Leather Processing
- Assists in degreasing and wetting during leather manufacture.
- Paper Industry
- Used as a dispersing agent to improve fiber treatment and retention.
- 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
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulty occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical help if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation continues
- 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
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