PEG-70 Castor Oil as a surfactant compound is mainly used in the textile industry. As a compound, it is a derivative of castor oil. It is an excellent dispersant and emulsifier in many key industrial processes, and the product’s popularity is due to its undoubted advantages.
In the INCI nomenclature system, ethoxylated castor oil is referred to as PEG-70 Castor Oil, with CAS number 61791-12-6. PEG-70 Castor Oil is a non-ionic surfactant. It belongs to the group called polyoxyethylene castor oil fatty acid esters. Castor oil itself is one of the most popular compounds used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
The extensive range of PCC Group’s surfactants includes PEG-70 Castor Oil sold under the trade name ROKAcet R70. At room temperature, the product takes the form of a paste or semi-liquid paste. When in the form of paste, PEG-70 Castor Oil shows a tendency to separate into layers. When heated to temperatures above 50°C, the product changes form from paste to liquid. The compound is very well soluble in water. It is resistant to hard water (containing large amounts of calcium and magnesium ions), as well as acidic and alkaline environments. An important indicator for PEG-70 Castor Oil is its saponification value, which remains in the range of 40–45 mg KOH/g.
Key industrial applications of PEG-70 Castor Oil:
One of the applications of PEG-70 Castor Oil as an effective emulsifier is its increasing frequent use in the production of wax emulsions. Wax emulsions are used in the paper industry, in the manufacture of printing inks and other inks, for polishing hard surfaces and most of all in the textile industry. Technological advancements in the textile and paper industries brought about the implementation of innovative production lines and the need to use wax emulsions of the highest quality. The properties of PEG-70 Castor Oil as an emulsifier made the product popular in the production of wax emulsions. PEG-70 Castor Oil is used not only to form wax emulsions, but also to emulsify fats and oils.
The excellent dispersing properties of PEG-70 Castor Oil are used by the textile industry for dyeing fibres. The process requires the use of a number of levelling and dispersing additives. Compounds such as PEG-70 Castor Oil in fibre dye baths are essential for proper dye distribution. The surfactant with dispersant properties retains the soluble dye molecules in a continuous, homogeneous dispersion. This allows for effective and uniform dye coverage of fibres and fabrics.
PEG-70 Castor Oil also has very good wetting properties. Combined with the emulsifying and dispersing effects, degreasing and cleaning properties, products containing this non-ionic surfactant are much more effective in washing processes.
PEG-70 Castor Oil is found mainly in preparations and agents used in the fibre and textile industries. It is used as an ingredient in greases, fibre levelling aids as well as washing and dyeing agents. Another industry that makes use of this compound is tanning.
