As a surfactant, Oleth-5 has a number of functions in industrial applications. It also has many advantages. Its biodegradability is undoubtedly one of the advantages of choosing Oleth-5 for industrial applications, as is its very good dispersing properties as well as its usability in an oxidising, reducing or hard water environment. Oleth-5 can be found in bubble baths, lotions and processing liquids for metalworking processes.
The compound called Oleth-5 (INCI) with the chemical name (Z) -9-octadecen-1-ol ethoxylated is a derivative belonging to the group of fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactants. Its CAS number, by which its proper identification is possible, is 9004-98-2.
At room temperature, Oleth-5 is a liquid with a straw to light-yellow colour and a characteristic odour. Its molar mass is approx. 440 g/mol. It does not dissolve completely in water. In the temperature range from 20 to 25 ᵒC, it forms cloudy solutions. The density of Oleth-5 at 20 ᵒC is approx. 0.93 g/ml, while the viscosity at the same temperature is approx. 60 cP. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution varies from slightly acidic to neutral (5.0 to 7.0). Oleth-5 is sensitive to high pH – under its influence it undergoes hydrolysis. Moreover, it can be successfully used in oxidising and reducing environments, as well as in hard water.
Oleth-5, used in the cosmetic industry as one of the ingredients of care products, is primarily an emulsifier. To a large extent, it is possible due to the structure of its molecule (Oleth-5 belongs to the group of compounds called surfactants). It supports the formation of emulsions, i.e. physicochemical forms, by combining two immiscible phases. In addition, in cosmetics, it is responsible for the formation of stable foams and improves their quality in combination with anionic surfactants. It also increases the viscosity of the product, i.e. change its rheological properties, which results in the improvement of the consistency of the entire formulation.
Oleth-5 is also an emulsifier in industrial applications. It acts as an O/W emulsifier, i.e., oil-in-water (the particles of the oil phase are dispersed in the water dispersion phase). The processing fluids are based on this type of emulsions. As their ingredient, Oleth-5 acts as an emulsifier, maintaining their proper physical form. In most industrial processes, wherever metalworking takes place, cutting fluids are a necessity. Surfactants such as Oleth-5 are their indispensable ingredients. Processing fluids reduce friction and affect the efficiency and quality of the processes carried out by proper preparation of the surface for machining. Additionally, Oleth-5 does not corrode most construction materials, hence its widespread use by formulators of industrial sectors.
Products containing Oleth-5:
