SODIUM LAURYL ETHER SULPHATE (SLES)
General Information
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant commonly used in cleaning and personal care products. Due to its low irritation property and high foaming capacity, it is preferred in detergents, shampoos, and liquid soaps.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | C12H25(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na |
| Appearance | Colorless or slightly yellow viscous liquid |
| CAS Number | 9004-82-4 |
| Molecular Weight | Varies, depending on ethoxylation degree |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| pH Value (1% Solution) | 6.5 - 8.5 |
| Active Substance Content | 27% - 70% |
Application Areas
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is widely used across various industries due to its high foaming ability and effective cleaning properties:
| Industry | Application |
| Personal Care | Shampoo, liquid soap, shower gel, face cleansers |
| Household Cleaning | Dishwashing detergent, general surface cleaners, laundry detergents |
| Industrial Cleaning | Car shampoos, heavy-duty degreasers, industrial cleaners |
| Textile Industry | Auxiliary chemical in dyeing and washing processes |
| Agricultural Chemicals | Emulsifier in pesticide and fertilizer formulations |
| Pharmaceutical Industry | Topical cleanser and foam-forming agent |
Technical Specifications
The technical details of SLES are provided in the following table:
| Property | Value Range |
| Density (g/cm³, 20°C) | 1.05 - 1.10 |
| Viscosity (mPa.s, 25°C) | 100 - 3000 |
| Foam Stability | High |
| Biodegradability | Above 90% |
| Toxicity | Low, but can cause skin irritation in concentrated form |
Advantages
Strong Cleaning Ability: Effectively dissolves oil and dirt.
High Foaming Capacity: Enhances user experience.
Skin-Friendly: Can be formulated with other surfactants to reduce irritation.
Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly.
Cost-Effective and Efficient: Provides effective cleaning even at low doses.
Storage and Safety
Storage Conditions:
SLES should be stored in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
Recommended storage temperature is between 5°C and 40°C.
If frozen, it should be carefully heated and stirred to return to its liquid state.
Safety Precautions:
Avoid eye contact; in case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water.
The concentrated form may cause skin irritation; protective gloves should be used.
Keep out of reach of children.
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