1. Product Overview
- Chemical Name: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), 70% Solution
- Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
- CAS Number: 68585-34-2
- Purity: 70% Active Ingredient (the rest is typically water and residual salts)
- Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
- Odor: Slight, characteristic odor
- pH Value (10% Solution): 7.0 to 9.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
2. Chemical and Physical Properties
- Viscosity: 500 to 1500 cps (at 25°C)
- Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohols; forms clear or slightly turbid solutions
- Density: Approximately 1.01–1.05 g/cm³
- Flash Point: > 100°C (not flammable under normal conditions)
- Boiling Point: > 100°C (depending on the water content)
3. Production Process
SLES 70 is produced by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil) followed by sulfation (reaction with sulfuric acid or a sulfur trioxide derivative).
The process involves the following key steps:
- Etherification: Lauryl alcohol (C₁₂H₂₅OH) reacts with ethylene oxide (EO) to form an ethoxylated alcohol, creating a "fatty alcohol ethoxylate".
- Sulfation: The ethoxylated alcohol undergoes sulfation, typically using sulfur trioxide (SO₃) or sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to form the sulfonate group (-SO₃Na), resulting in Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate.
- Neutralization: The product is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and water is added to adjust the active ingredient content to around 70%.
4. Applications
SLES 70 is used in various industries due to its excellent cleansing and foaming properties. Common applications include:
a) Personal Care Products
- Shampoos: SLES 70 is a key ingredient in many shampoos, providing effective cleaning and foaming capabilities.
- Body Washes: Used in body washes and shower gels for its ability to create a rich lather and clean the skin effectively.
- Facial Cleansers: Commonly found in facial cleansers, it helps remove dirt, oils, and impurities from the skin.
- Toothpaste: It may be used in toothpaste formulations to help with foaming.
- Bubble Bath: Provides a foaming and lathering effect in bubble bath products.
b) Household Cleaning Products
- Dishwashing Liquids: Used in dishwashing liquids for its grease-cutting and foaming properties.
- Surface Cleaners: SLES 70 is used in multi-surface cleaners to provide effective cleaning and stain removal.
- Laundry Detergents: It is an ingredient in liquid and powder laundry detergents.
c) Industrial Applications
- Oil and Gas Industry: Used as a foaming agent in some oil recovery and cleaning applications.
- Textile Industry: Applied in the textile industry for scouring and wetting processes.
d) Agricultural Products
- Pesticide Formulations: SLES 70 can be used in the formulation of pesticides as an emulsifier and wetting agent.
5. Advantages
- Foaming Agent: Provides excellent foam formation, which is why it's so widely used in personal care and cleaning products.
- Cleansing Ability: Excellent at removing oils, dirt, and grease from surfaces, skin, and hair.
- Cost-Effective: It is an economical surfactant that offers good performance in a wide range of formulations.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with other surfactants, such as nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, allowing for flexibility in formulations.
- Mildness: Despite its strong cleansing properties, SLES is considered relatively mild, though some people may experience skin irritation in high concentrations or with prolonged exposure.
6. Safety and Handling
Storage Conditions
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Avoid freezing, as this could affect its consistency and effectiveness.
- Packaging: Typically packaged in drums, IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), or tankers, depending on the quantity. Packaging sizes can vary from 50 kg to 1,000 kg.
- Shelf Life: Generally 12 to 24 months if stored in proper conditions.
Handling Precautions
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling SLES 70 in large quantities, wear gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye contact. In case of spills or splashes, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Inhalation: Avoid inhaling the vapors or mist; use appropriate ventilation if handling in large quantities.
- Skin Contact: SLES 70 can cause irritation or dryness, so it’s important to wash off any skin contact with water and soap.
- Eye Contact: In case of eye contact, flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
First Aid Measures
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. If irritation persists, consult a physician.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if necessary.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms like dizziness or coughing occur.
- Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water and seek medical attention immediately.
7. Regulatory Information
- REACH Compliance: SLES 70 may be subject to registration under the European Union’s REACH regulations. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that they are compliant with REACH when selling within the EU.
- FDA Approval: For personal care and cosmetic products, SLES is typically regarded as safe when used according to appropriate guidelines. However, some products containing high concentrations may require approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) or similar organizations in other countries.
- Toxicological Data: SLES is generally regarded as safe, but excessive exposure, especially to concentrated solutions, can cause skin irritation or eye damage. It is not classified as a carcinogen.
8. Environmental Impact
- Biodegradability: SLES is biodegradable, but its degradation rate depends on the concentration and environmental conditions. It is considered less harmful than many other synthetic surfactants, but it should still be disposed of responsibly.
- Aquatic Toxicity: SLES is toxic to aquatic life in high concentrations, so it should be handled and disposed of according to local environmental regulations to avoid contamination of water bodies.
9. Market Availability and Pricing
SLES 70 is produced by various chemical manufacturers globally. The price of SLES 70 can vary based on factors such as:
- Quantity purchased (bulk orders generally have a lower cost per unit).
- Shipping and transportation (due to the weight of the product, transport costs may be a significant part of the price).
- Regional Market Conditions (prices may vary depending on production costs, regulations, and availability of raw materials).
Typically, the pricing for SLES 70 can range from $0.80 to $2.00 per kg or more, depending on the order size and supplier.
Summary of SLES 70 (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 70%)
- Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
- CAS Number: 68585-34-2
- Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
- Purity: 70% active ingredient
- Applications: Personal care (shampoos, body washes), household cleaning products (dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners), industrial applications, and agricultural formulations.
- Advantages: Excellent foaming and cleaning properties, cost-effective, versatile in formulations.
- Safety: Handle with care, avoid inhalation or skin contact, store in a cool, dry place.
- Environmental: Biodegradable but should be disposed of responsibly.
If you need specific details on sourcing, pricing, or regulatory compliance for SLES 70, feel free to ask!
