This product is the 1.5-mole ethoxylate of the octylphenol surfactant. It is an oil-soluble, nonionic surface-active agent. It exhibits compatibility with other nonionic surfactants as well as most anionic and cationic surfactants. It finds applications in various uses, including wetting agents, detergents, and penetrants.

Supplied By: Indorama Ventures

Product Code: Q14169

Regional Availability: Canada

CAS Number: 9036-19-5

Functions: Emulsifier, Penetration Enhancer, Solvent, Surfactant, Surfactant (Nonionic), Wetting Agent

    Enhanced TDS

    Identification & Functionality

    Features & Benefits

    Applications & Uses

    Properties

    Physical Form
    Appearance
    Clear and substantially free of foreign matter
    Insoluble in
    Water

    Safety & Health

    Biodegradability and Environmental Safety
    • The octylphenol ethoxylates have not been specifically included in the vast amount of testing that has been conducted on alkylphenol ethoxylates, in particular nonylphenol ethoxylates.
    • Because the nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates are so similar in structure, it is believed that biodegradation of the octylphenol ethoxylates is essentially the same as that of the nonylphenol ethoxylates.
    • SURFONIC® N-series surfactants and related products have been shown to undergo 90% to 100% loss of surface activity (primary biodegradation) under the Semi-continuous Activated Sludge Method and well over 90% removal in sewage treatment plants.
    • Environmental concentrations of nonylphenol (NP) and ethoxylate (NPE) in a survey of rivers across the U.S. receiving treated or untreated wastewater are mostly (60-75%) below their detection limits (0.1 microgram/kg or ppb for NP, NPE1 and NPE2; 1.6 ppb for the aggregate of NPE3-17).
    • Highest levels found of NP, NPE1 and NPE2 were about 1 ppb, (about 15 ppb for NPE3-17).
    • These maximum observed levels are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude below known acute or chronic toxicity toward aquatic organisms.
    • We conclude from this and other published information that our SURFONIC® N-series and OP-series products are satisfactorily biodegraded when treated in conventional secondary treatment plants, and that no persistence, accumulation or environmental harm due to NPE or OPE is occurring.
    • Comparison of the toxicity threshold of the most hazardous metabolite of nonylphenol ethoxylates, nonylphenol, and its actual concentration in the environment demonstrates a sizable safety margin.
    • Cleaning products containing NPE or OPE may be disposed of safely by flushing down the drain with water.

    Packaging & Availability

    Packaging Type
    Regional Availability
    • Canada
    Packaging and Shipping Information

    Product is available in tank cars, tank trucks and drums of 425 pounds (205 kilograms) net weight. Small samples can be obtained by contacting any Indorama Ventures sales office.

    Storage & Handling

    Storage and Handling Conditions
    • SURFONIC® OP-15 surfactant may be satisfactorily stored in carbon steel tanks using steel pipes and pumps.
    • Caution must be exercised, however, to keep the material in the anhydrous state to prevent severe corrosion to the carbon steel tank and related equipment.
    • A drier on the breathing nozzle is recommended to help maintain anhydrous conditions in the storage tank.
    • For longer term color stability, it is recommended that the product be stored under an inert atmosphere.
    • Solid sediment may form upon standing.
    • There should be circulation in the storage vessel to keep solids suspended.
    • Low pressure steam coils in storage tanks and steam tracing of transfer lines should be provided in cases where low environmental temperatures may make pumping of the product difficult.