Polysorbate 81 – Low-EO Oleate Surfactant

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Overview

  • Chemical Nature
    Polyoxyethylene (5) Sorbitan Monooleate. Contains reduced Ethylene Oxide (5 moles) compared to Polysorbate 80.
  • Appearance & Specs
    Amber oily liquid  |  HLB Value: 10.0
  • Primary Application (Industrial)
    Powerful Coupling Agent. Unique intermediate HLB bridges the gap between oil and water phases. Solves separation issues in difficult formulations.
  • Lubricity & Stability
    Excellent lubricity and stability in mineral oils and solvents.
  • Key Functions
    Coupling Agent & Emulsifier.
KOSHER CERTIFICATIOM
halal certification
HALAL CERTIFICATIOM
China Quality Mark Certification
Quality Certified
DCI certification
ISO 9001

Molecular Structure

  • Structural Components
    Hydrophilic Segment: Polyoxyethylene chain introduced by ethoxylation. Note the reduced chain length (5 moles as indicated by formula) compared to standard Polysorbate 80.
    Hydrophobic Moiety: Oleic acid residue derived from unsaturated fatty acid, providing significant oil solubility.
    Backbone: Sorbitan backbone linking the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.
  • Mechanism of Action
    Bridging Capability. The lower degree of ethoxylation creates a unique intermediate HLB. This allows the molecule to function as a powerful coupling agent, effectively bridging the gap between oil and water phases in formulations where standard high-HLB emulsifiers fail.

Specifications:

Polysorbate 81 usually appears as a viscous liquid with good water solubility. Due to its relatively high ethoxylation level, it exhibits superior hydrophilicity. In formulations, it significantly enhances the stability of oil-in-water emulsions. When combined with other emulsifiers such as sorbitan esters, it enables optimization of emulsification performance.
Test ParameterUnitMinimumMaximum
HLB value——10.0
Saponification ValuemgKOH/g95105
Hydroxyl ValuemgKOH/g135165
Acid ValuemgKOH/g-2
Moisture Content%-3
HLB——15.0

Applications:

  • Food Industry (Emulsifier & Texture Modifier): Widely used in food processing as an effective whipping and anti-spattering agent. It excels in frozen desserts (such as ice cream) to promote controlled fat agglomeration for a smoother texture and slower melt-down, as well as in bakery products, shortenings, and dressings to improve starch interaction and oil-water dispersion.
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care: Functions as a versatile co-emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersion aid in creams, lotions, and balms. Thanks to its balanced lipophilic properties, it is highly effective in cleansing oils and oil-to-milk formulations, enabling rapid self-emulsification and a clean rinse-off experience without leaving an oily residue.
  • Agrochemical Formulations (EC & SC Systems): Utilized as a specialized emulsifier and wetting agent in emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and suspension concentrates (SC). Its unique HLB value helps stabilize oil-based pesticide formulations, enhances dilution performance in water, and ensures uniform spray distribution on hydrophobic leaf surfaces.
  • Metalworking Fluids (Cutting & Cooling Emulsions): Functions as an efficient surfactant and co-emulsifier to facilitate the stable dispersion of mineral oils and synthetic lubricants into water-based systems. It improves fluid stability, cooling efficiency, and anti-wear lubrication performance in metal cutting, grinding, and machining operations.
  • Textile & Leather Processing Aids: Acts as a high-performance wetting, softening, and antistatic agent. It significantly improves fiber smoothness, flexibility, and processability during spinning, weaving, and finishing operations, effectively reducing friction, static buildup, and fiber breakage.
  • Industrial & Specialty Emulsification Systems: Widely applied in various oil-in-water (O/W) and micro-emulsion systems where precise dispersion of hydrophobic ingredients is required. It serves as a vital surfactant for specialty industrial coatings, industrial cleaning formulations, and chemical processing aids requiring rapid phase integration.
Intermediate HLB (10.0) Balance

Perfectly positioned between lipophilic Spans and hydrophilic polysorbates. It effectively stabilizes emulsions that are too oily for standard polysorbate 80 to handle.

Superior Mineral Oil Solubility

Due to its lower EO content (5 moles), it dissolves much more easily in mineral oils and solvents than Polysorbate 80, making it ideal for oil-based concentrates.

High Lubricity (Oleic Source)

Derived from Oleic Acid, it provides excellent surface lubrication, reducing friction in metal processing and textile fiber manufacturing.

Low-Foaming Profile

Generates significantly less foam than high-EO surfactants (like Polysorbate 20/80), suitable for high-speed industrial agitation processes.

High-end commercial food photography of creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream, showing smooth texture achieved by Polysorbate 81 emulsifier.
Industrial photography of a precision CNC machine cutting metal, with milky white cooling emulsion stabilized by Polysorbate 81 spraying onto the workpiece.

storage & package:

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
Avoid contact with harmful or incompatible substances. Handle with care during transportation to prevent leakage or contamination.

Transportation:
Transport as a general chemical product, following standard safety and handling procedures.

Package:
Polysorbate 81 is packed in high-quality PE drums with double-seal lids.
Standard packaging sizes include 25kg/drum, 200kg/drum, and 1000kg IBC tote to meet different usage needs.

25 Kg /drum
200kg/drum
1000kg IBC

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