Span Series

General Information

Product Name: Sorbitan Esters (Span Series)
Type: Span 20, Span 40, Span 60, Span 80, Span 85
Applications: Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production, textiles, and beyond, others

Introduction

Sorbitan esters, commonly known as Span, are nonionic surfactants. The numbers following Span denote different fatty acids: for example, Span 20 represents sorbitan monolaurate, Span 40 represents sorbitan monopalmitate, Span 60 represents sorbitan monostearate, and Span 80 represents sorbitan monooleate. These compounds are integral in forming water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, making them indispensable in producing lotions, creams, and other emulsion-based products.

Basic Parameters

Items	SUR-NON-006	SUR-NON-007	SUR-NON-008	SUR-NON-009	SUR-NON-010
Type	Span 20	Span 40	Span 60	Span 80	Span 85
CAS	1338-39-2	26266-57-9	1338-41-6	1338-43-8	26266-58-0
Appearance (25℃)	Amber viscous liquid	Yellowish waxy solid	Yellowish waxy solid	Amber viscous oil	Yellow oily liquid
Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g)	330-360	255-290	230-270	190-220	60-80
Saponification Value (mgKOH/g)	160-175	140-150	135-155	140-160	165-185
Acid value (mgKOH/g)	≤ 8	≤ 8	≤ 8	≤ 10	≤ 15
Moisture (%)	≤ 2	≤ 2	≤ 1.5	≤ 1.5	≤ 1.5
HLB	8.6	6.7	4.7	4	1.8

* Typical values (not warranted values)

Characteristics and Applications

Span 20	Span 20 is characterized by its solubility in oils and organic solvents, while it forms a milky emulsion when dispersed in water. Applications Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: In these industries, Span 20 functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, plasticizer, drying agent and lubricant. Textile Industry: Span 20 is employed as a softener, antistatic agent, and finishing agent, improving the texture and quality of fabrics. Mechanical Lubricants: Its lubricating properties are leveraged in machinery to reduce friction and wear, thereby extending the lifespan of mechanical components.
Span 40	Span 40 dissolves readily in oils and organic solvents and disperses in water. Applications Food and Cosmetics: Span 40 acts as an emulsifier and dispersant, ensuring homogenous mixtures in food products and cosmetic formulations. Emulsion Polymerization: It serves as an emulsifying stabilizer, crucial for producing stable emulsions in polymer manufacturing. Printing Inks: As a dispersant, Span 40 helps maintain uniform pigment distribution, resulting in consistent and high-quality prints. Textiles and Oil Products: It is used as an additive in textile waterproof coatings and as an emulsifier and dispersant in oil products.
Span 60	Span 60 is insoluble in water but disperses in hot water. Applications Food Industry: Span 60 is widely used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products, enhancing texture and shelf life. Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals: It functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic products. Coatings and Plastics: In these industries, Span 60 acts as an antistatic agent and softening oil agent, improving product quality and usability.
Span 80	Span 80 is slightly soluble in water and highly soluble in hot oils and organic solvents. Applications W/O Emulsions: Span 80 is essential in producing W/O latex explosives, ensuring stability and uniformity. Textiles and Petroleum: It serves as an emulsifier in textile oils and petroleum drilling muds, enhancing product performance. Food and Cosmetics: In these industries, Span 80 functions as an emulsifier, ensuring stable and homogenous products. Coatings and Pesticides: It is used as a dispersant in coatings and a stabilizer in titanium dioxide production. Additionally, it acts as an insecticide, wetting agent, and emulsifier in agricultural applications. Rust Inhibition: Span 80 is also used as a rust inhibitor in anti-rust oils.
Span 85	Span 85 is slightly soluble in isopropyl alcohol and cottonseed oil, making it suitable for specialized applications requiring specific solubility characteristics. Applications Medicine and Cosmetics: In these fields, Span 85 serves as an emulsifier, thickener, and rust inhibitor, ensuring product stability and efficacy. Textiles, Paints, and Petroleum: It is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer, enhancing product performance and longevity.

Packaging and Storage

Span 80 and Span 20: Packaged in 50kg plastic drums.
Span 60 and Span 40: Packaged in 25kg cardboard boxes.
Storage Conditions: Stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Shelf Life: 2 years

Sorbitan esters, under the Span series, exhibit unique properties and applications that make them indispensable across various industries. Each type, from Span 20 to Span 85, offers distinct advantages, ensuring their relevance in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production, textiles, and beyond. Contact Alfa Chemistry today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your applications.

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