Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, widely specified across global chemical procurement channels under its synonyms Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder, SANS Powder, ANS Powder, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder, Wetting Agent BX Powder, Penetrant BX Powder, and Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz, is a high-active, spray-dried anionic alkylated aromatic sulfonate surfactant engineered for ultra-rapid solid-liquid wetting, capillary pore penetration, and dry-formulation co-milling. Depending on the target alkyl substituent architecture, commercial grades of this free-flowing solid surfactant encompass C4-branched and linear Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 25417-20-3), Sodium Butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 25638-17-9), and Sodium Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 27213-90-7), C3-branched Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 1322-93-6) and Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 28729-52-4), short-chain hydrotropic Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 26264-58-4), and synergistic mixed-alkyl SANS wetting-dispersing powders (CAS 68909-83-1 and CAS 68425-94-5).
Across agricultural and industrial dry-blending operations, formulation chemists rely on SANS Powder as the benchmark dry wetting agent and sinking aid for agrochemical Wettable Powders (WP), extruded or pan-granulated Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG), Soluble Powders (SP), and high-load Suspension Concentrates (SC), where it drives water into hydrophobic pesticide beds within seconds and guarantees zero nozzle-clogging sieve residue. Beyond crop protection, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder is extensively deployed as a high-speed textile scouring, mercerizing, wool carbonizing, and dyestuff pasting penetrant (Penetrant BX Powder), a dry-charged micellar emulsifier for styrene-butadiene and nitrile rubber emulsion polymerization, a solid wetting auxiliary for hydrophobic organic pigments and furnace carbon blacks, and a freight-efficient anhydrous surfactant for powdered alkaline industrial cleaners, acid pickling compounds, and mining dust-suppression cartridges.
At the molecular and solid-state level, Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder consists of hollow, porous amorphous microspheres (median particle diameter D50 = 35 to 85 micrometers) built from a rigid, planar 10-pi-electron bicyclic naphthalene aromatic core (C10H8) substituted at alpha and beta positions with one or two short-chain C1 to C4 alkyl hydrophobes—methyl (-CH3), isopropyl (-CH(CH3)2), n-butyl (-C4H9), sec-butyl (-CH(CH3)CH2CH3), or isobutyl (-CH2CH(CH3)2)—and terminated by a permanently ionized sodium sulfonate (-SO3Na) headgroup (pKa < -1.5). When these high-surface-area spray-dried powder spheres contact water, they dissolve instantaneously without passing through a viscous liquid-crystalline gel phase, releasing compact wedge-shaped amphiphilic monomers (molecular weight 244.24 to 342.43 g/mol) that diffuse rapidly to air-water and solid-water interfaces to depress surface tension to 29.8 to 36.5 mN/m and collapse hydrophobic contact angles below 45 degrees in less than 1 second.
Dry-formulation engineers systematically prefer Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder and Wetting Agent BX Powder over liquid nonionic alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) and fatty alcohol ethoxylates, waxy dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) solids, and high-foaming linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) powders because crisp, high-melting SANS Powder (> 250 °C decomposition onset) co-mills cleanly in air-jet micronizers and twin-screw WDG extruders without carrier caking, die-plate gumming, or thermal cloud-point phase separation. Furthermore, whereas ester-based DOSS powders rapidly hydrolyze and lose all wetting power in acidic (pH < 4.0) or alkaline (pH > 9.0) recipes and LAS powders generate excessive persistent foam and precipitate in hard water, the direct aromatic carbon-sulfur bond of Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz remains 100% chemically intact from pH 1.0 to 14.0, tolerates hard water exceeding 1,000 ppm CaCO3, and delivers sub-5-second Draves wetting kinetics with fast-breaking foam and full APEO-free regulatory compliance.
CAS Number: 68909-83-1 (General / Mixed Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder); 25417-20-3 (Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder / Wetting Agent BX Powder); 25638-17-9 (Sodium Butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder); 27213-90-7 (Sodium Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder); 1322-93-6 (Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder / IP Powder); 28729-52-4 (Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder); 26264-58-4 (Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder); 68425-94-5 (Alkylated Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder Blend / Condensate Grade)
EC Number: 272-717-9 (CAS 68909-83-1); 246-960-6 (CAS 25417-20-3); 247-148-4 / 247-150-5 (CAS 25638-17-9); 248-330-6 (CAS 27213-90-7); 215-343-3 (CAS 1322-93-6); 249-189-3 (CAS 28729-52-4); 247-557-8 (CAS 26264-58-4); 614-476-8 (CAS 68425-94-5)
Molecular Formula: C10H(7-n)R_nSO3Na (where R = CH3, C3H7, or C4H9 and n = 1 to 2); specifically C18H23NaO3S (Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder), C14H15NaO3S (Sodium Monobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder), C16H19NaO3S (Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder), C13H13NaO3S (Sodium Monoisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder), C11H9NaO3S (Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder), and C12H11NaO3S (Sodium Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder)
Molecular Weight: 244.24 g/mol to 342.43 g/mol across monomeric C1-C4 powder homologues (specifically 244.24 g/mol for Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, 258.27 g/mol for Sodium Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, 272.30 g/mol for Sodium Monoisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, 286.32 g/mol for Sodium Monobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, 314.38 g/mol for Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, and 342.43 g/mol for Sodium Dibutyl and Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder)
INCI Name: SODIUM BUTYLNAPHTHALENESULFONATE / SODIUM ISOPROPYLNAPHTHALENESULFONATE / SODIUM METHYLNAPHTHALENESULFONATE (Not Applicable for primary agrochemical, textile, rubber, coating, and industrial powder grades)
E Number: Not Applicable (Industrial Anionic Wetting Agent Powder, Penetrant, Hydrotrope, and Surfactant; Not a Direct Food Additive)
Melting Point: > 250 °C to 300 °C (anhydrous spray-dried powder and micro-granular grades remain solid with glass transition Tg > 155 °C and undergo gradual thermal decomposition above 250 °C to 295 °C without a sharp liquid melting point, preventing fusion or stickiness during high-speed air-jet milling and fluid-bed drying)
Boiling Point: Not Applicable for anhydrous solid Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (non-volatile ionic organic salt with vapor pressure < 1.0 x 10^-8 Pa at 25 °C that decomposes thermally above 250 °C prior to boiling; 10% to 40% w/w aqueous solutions prepared from the powder boil at 100.5 °C to 105.0 °C at 101.3 kPa)
Viscosity: Not Applicable as a free-flowing dry solid powder (characterized by powder flowability Angle of Repose = 28 to 38 degrees and Hausner Ratio = 1.12 to 1.25); when dissolved in water at 25 °C, dynamic viscosity is 1.05 to 1.65 mPa.s (cP) at 1.0% to 5.0% w/w, 1.50 to 4.50 mPa.s (cP) at 10.0% w/w, and 8.0 to 25.0 mPa.s (cP) at 25.0% w/w (Brookfield LV, 60 rpm)
Density: 0.35 to 0.54 g/cm3 (350 to 540 kg/m3) apparent loose bulk pour density for standard spray-dried hollow-sphere powders and 0.52 to 0.68 g/cm3 (520 to 680 kg/m3) for dust-reduced micro-granular grades at 20 °C; 0.48 to 0.78 g/cm3 (480 to 780 kg/m3) tapped bulk density (ISO 787-11); 1.28 to 1.42 g/cm3 true skeletal crystal density by helium pycnometry at 20 °C
Most Frequently Encountered Synonyms:
Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder
Sodium Alkylnaphthalenesulfonate Powder
Sodium Alkylnaphthalenesulphonate Powder
Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder
Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Sodium Salt Powder
Alkylnaphthalenesulfonic Acid Sodium Salt Powder
SANS Powder
ANS Powder
Spray-Dried SANS Wetting Agent Powder
Anhydrous Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate
Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder
Sodium Dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate Powder
Sodium Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder
Sodium Di-sec-butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Butyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder
Sodium Butylnaphthalenesulfonate Powder
Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder
Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder
PRODUCT IDENTITY, SOLID-STATE POWDER MORPHOLOGY AND HOMOLOGUE SERIES
Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder is the high-concentration, anhydrous spray-dried solid delivery form of the alkylated naphthalene sulfonate anionic surfactant family, engineered specifically for dry-blended, micronized, tableted, and granulated industrial formulations where liquid water cannot be introduced or where maximum active surfactant shipping density is required. Across international chemical trade, R&D formulation databases, and customs tariff schedules, this solid raw material is simultaneously indexed under the British spelling Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, the American nomenclature Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder, the industry acronyms SANS Powder and ANS Powder, functional trade identifiers such as Wetting Agent BX Powder, Penetrant BX Powder, and IP Wetting Agent Powder, and the Turkish technical designation Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz.
Why do agrochemical formulators, dyestuff standardizers, pigment manufacturers, and industrial detergent compounders specifically demand the spray-dried powder form of Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt rather than aqueous liquid concentrates? First, dry agricultural formulations—most notably Wettable Powders (WP), extruded or pan-granulated Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG), Soluble Powders (SP), and dry seed-treatment powders (DS)—require an anhydrous surfactant with moisture content below 1.5% to 3.0% w/w and a high glass-transition and thermal-decomposition temperature (> 250 °C) so that the powder mixture can pass through high-energy air-jet micronizers (fluid-energy mills) or twin-screw extruders without softening, smearing on mill walls, or blinding classifier screens. Second, spray-drying the neutralized sulfonate liquor into hollow, thin-walled amorphous microspheres (bulk density 0.35 to 0.54 g/cm3, specific surface area 0.4 to 1.2 m2/g) creates an internal capillary architecture that shatters and dissolves instantaneously upon water contact—completely avoiding the slow-dissolving hexagonal or lamellar liquid-crystalline gel lumps typical of concentrated fatty alcohol ethoxylates or linear alkylbenzene sulfonate pastes. Third, shipping 75% to 95% active Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder eliminates transporting 50% to 65% water weight across international maritime and road freight routes, cutting carbon footprint and drum-disposal costs while preventing sub-zero winter freezing in unheated warehouses.
At the molecular level, every grade of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder shares a bicyclic 10-pi-electron naphthalene ring system (C10H8) substituted at sterically favored beta (2-, 6-, 7-) and alpha (1-, 4-) positions with 1.0 to 2.2 short-chain C1 to C4 alkyl hydrophobic groups and one permanently ionized sodium sulfonate (-SO3Na) hydrophilic headgroup. To match exact wetting speed, foam profile, cold-water solubility, and electrolyte tolerance requirements, Ataman Kimya supplies SANS Powder across four distinct structural homologue classes:
1. Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl / Butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder / Penetrant BX Powder / DB Powder Series):
Registered under CAS 25417-20-3 (EC 246-960-6, Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C18H23NaO3S, MW 342.43 g/mol), CAS 25638-17-9 (EC 247-148-4 / 247-150-5, Sodium Butyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C14H15NaO3S, MW 286.32 g/mol), and CAS 27213-90-7 (EC 248-330-6, Sodium Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C18H23NaO3S, MW 342.43 g/mol). Because branched isobutyl (-CH2CH(CH3)2), sec-butyl (-CH(CH3)CH2CH3), and linear n-butyl (-C4H9) chains provide the largest hydrophobic cross-section among monomeric SANS powders (HLB = 11.2 to 12.4), Wetting Agent BX Powder delivers the deepest equilibrium surface tension depression (29.8 to 33.5 mN/m at 0.1% to 0.5% w/w in water at 25 °C) and the fastest Draves cotton skein and hydrophobic pesticide powder wetting times (2.0 to 8.0 seconds at 1.0 to 2.0 g/L). It is the premier dry penetrant and wetting powder for highly hydrophobic agrochemical WPs (such as 80% Sulfur WP, Copper Oxychloride WP, and pyrethroid WPs), textile scouring and dyeing baths, and SBR/NBR rubber latex emulsion polymerization.
2. Sodium Isopropyl / Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (IP Wetting Agent Powder Series):
Registered under CAS 1322-93-6 (EC 215-343-3, Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C16H19NaO3S, MW 314.38 g/mol) and CAS 28729-52-4 (EC 249-189-3, Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C13H13NaO3S, MW 272.30 g/mol). Featuring branched secondary propyl (-CH(CH3)2) substituents on the naphthalene core (HLB = 12.5 to 13.4), Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder combines rapid dynamic wetting (Draves wetting time 3.5 to 12.0 seconds at 1.0 to 2.0 g/L; surface tension 31.5 to 36.5 mN/m) with superior cold-water solubility (250 to 400 g/L at 20 °C), a sub-zero Krafft point (< 0 °C), crisp non-caking powder rheology during air-jet milling, and fast-draining low-persistence foam (Ross-Miles 5-minute foam <= 8 to 28 mm). Consequently, IP-type SANS Powder (supplied at 75% to 85% active matter) is the global benchmark dry wetting agent for extruded and fluid-bed granulated agrochemical Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG) and Wettable Powders (WP).
3. Sodium Methyl / Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Low-Foam Hydrotropic & Milling Wetting Powder Series):
Registered under CAS 26264-58-4 (EC 247-557-8, Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate, C11H9NaO3S, MW 244.24 g/mol) and its dimethyl homologue (C12H11NaO3S, MW 258.27 g/mol). With compact C1 methyl (-CH3) substitution (HLB = 13.6 to 14.8), this short-chain member of the Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder family offers maximum water solubility (380 to 520 g/L at 20 °C), near-zero stable foam (Ross-Miles initial foam <= 10 to 25 mm, collapsing to 0 to 5 mm within 5 minutes), and exceptional hydrotropic solubilization and viscosity-reducing power. It is widely specified in powdered heavy-duty alkaline degreasers, bottle-washing compounds, acid metal pickling powders, disperse/vat dyestuff pasting, and wet bead milling of agrochemical Suspension Concentrates (SC).
4. Co-Spray-Dried Synergistic Wetting-Dispersing SANS Powder Blends (EFW-Type Dual-Function Powders):
Registered under CAS 68909-83-1 (EC 272-717-9) and CAS 68425-94-5 (EC 614-476-8). In these engineered hybrid powders, monomeric Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate wetting agent (35% to 55% w/w) is co-spray-dried in a single homogeneous particle with oligomeric Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate dispersant (45% to 65% w/w). Co-spray-drying guarantees that every individual powder microsphere delivers both instantaneous air displacement (wetting) and multi-point electrostatic particle stabilization (dispersion) in one dust-free additive.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
For quality assurance laboratories, process engineers, and R&D formulators qualifying a Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder supplier, comprehensive numerical specifications across active assay, granulometry, powder mechanics, and interfacial thermodynamics are essential. Below are the quantitative physical and chemical constants for commercial spray-dried powder and micro-granular grades of Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder tested according to ISO, ASTM, DIN, OECD, and CIPAC standards:
1. Chemical Assay, Stoichiometry, and Purity Specifications of SANS Powder:
- Monomeric Molecular Weight by Homologue:
* Sodium Monomethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C11H9NaO3S): 244.24 g/mol.
* Sodium Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C12H11NaO3S): 258.27 g/mol.
* Sodium Monoisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C13H13NaO3S): 272.30 g/mol.
* Sodium Monobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C14H15NaO3S): 286.32 g/mol.
* Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C16H19NaO3S): 314.38 g/mol.
* Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (C18H23NaO3S): 342.43 g/mol.
- Active Anionic Surfactant Content (Two-Phase Epton Cationic Titration per ISO 2271 / ASTM D1681 or UV Spectrophotometry at 228 nm):
* Standard Textile & Industrial Wetting Agent BX Powder Grades: 65.0% to 72.0% w/w minimum active Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate.
* Standard Agrochemical WP / WDG Wetting Powder Grades (IP & DB Series): 75.0% to 82.0% w/w minimum active Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate.
* High-Purity Low-Salt Agrochemical, Polymer & Specialty Powder Grades: 85.0% to 95.0% w/w active Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate.
- Inorganic Sulfate Builder / Carrier Content (Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate, Na2SO4, ISO 6844):
* Standard Spray-Dried BX / IP Powder Grades: 15.0% to 30.0% w/w Na2SO4 (where co-crystallized anhydrous sodium sulfate increases powder glass transition temperature, inhibits hygroscopic caking in humid air, and acts as an ionic-strength electrolyte synergist that lowers the surfactant CMC and accelerates Draves wetting speed by 25% to 40%).
* Low-Salt High-Purity SANS Powder Grades: <= 2.0% to 6.0% w/w Na2SO4 (engineered for electrolyte-sensitive Suspension Concentrates SC, Suspo-Emulsions SE, and emulsion polymerization).
- Chloride Content (as NaCl, Potentiometric AgNO3 Titration): <= 0.05% to 0.25% w/w (<= 500 to 2,500 ppm).
- Moisture Content / Loss on Drying (105 °C for 2.0 hours per ISO 672 or Karl Fischer Titration per ASTM E203):
* Premium Agrochemical WP/WDG Co-Milling Powder Grades: <= 1.5% to 2.5% w/w maximum water content.
* Standard Industrial & Textile Penetrant BX Powder Grades: <= 2.5% to 4.0% w/w maximum water content.
- Water-Insoluble Matter (10.0% w/w aqueous solution at 25 °C filtered through 0.45 micrometer membrane or No. 4 sintered glass crucible, CIPAC MT 10): <= 0.05% to 0.15% w/w (ensuring 100% passage through 50-mesh / 300-micrometer and 100-mesh / 150-micrometer agricultural spray nozzles).
- Trace Polyvalent Metal Ions (ICP-OES): Iron (Fe) <= 50 to 120 ppm; Calcium (Ca2+) + Magnesium (Mg2+) <= 100 to 250 ppm; Heavy Metals (as Pb) <= 10 to 15 ppm; Arsenic (As) <= 2.0 ppm.
- Residual Volatile Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Free Unreacted Naphthalene by Headspace GC-MS): <= 10 to 40 ppm in steam-stripped low-VOC powder grades; Free Formaldehyde == 0.00% w/w (100% formaldehyde-free in uncondensed monomeric SANS Powder grades).
2. Solid-State Granulometry, Bulk Density, and Powder Flowability Constants:
- Visual Appearance and Morphology: Off-white, cream, light beige, pale yellow, or light tan free-flowing amorphous fine powder (spray-dried hollow spheres) or dust-free agglomerated micro-granules.
- Whiteness and Solution Color: Solid powder Hunter L* whiteness index = 78.0 to 92.0 (b* yellowness = 4.0 to 12.0); 10% w/w aqueous solution Gardner Color (ASTM D1544) = 2.0 to 6.5 for bleached/distilled IP and methyl grades and 5.0 to 10.5 for standard dibutyl BX grades.
- Apparent Loose Bulk Pour Density (ASTM D1895 / ISO 697 at 20 °C):
* Standard Spray-Dried Hollow-Sphere Powder: 0.35 to 0.52 g/cm3 (350 to 520 kg/m3).
* Fluidized-Bed Agglomerated Micro-Granular Powder (Low-Dust Grade): 0.52 to 0.68 g/cm3 (520 to 680 kg/m3).
- Tapped Bulk Density (ISO 787-11 / USP <616> after 1,250 mechanical taps): 0.48 to 0.78 g/cm3 (480 to 780 kg/m3).
- True Skeletal Crystal Density (Helium Pycnometry at 20 °C): 1.28 to 1.42 g/cm3 (1,280 to 1,420 kg/m3).
- Powder Compressibility and Flow Indices:
* Hausner Ratio (Tapped Density / Loose Bulk Density): 1.12 to 1.25 (classified as Good to Free-Flowing powder).
* Carr's Compressibility Index: 11.0% to 20.0%.
* Static Angle of Repose (ISO 4324): 31 to 38 degrees for fine spray-dried powder; 26 to 32 degrees for micro-granulated powder.
- Particle Size Distribution (Dry-Dispersion Laser Diffraction per ISO 13320 and ASTM E11 Sieve Analysis):
* Standard Spray-Dried SANS Powder: D10 = 12 to 25 micrometers; Median Diameter D50 = 35 to 85 micrometers; D90 = 110 to 175 micrometers; >= 99.0% passing 100-mesh (150 micrometer) sieve; >= 96.0% to 98.5% passing 200-mesh (75 micrometer) sieve; sieve residue on 250-mesh (63 micrometer) screen <= 0.5% to 2.0% w/w.
* Air-Jet Milled Micronized SANS Powder Grade: D50 = 6.0 to 15.0 micrometers; D90 <= 35.0 micrometers.
* Dust-Reduced Micro-Granular SANS Grade: D50 = 180 to 420 micrometers; respirable/airborne dust fraction (< 45 micrometers) <= 0.8% w/w.
- Dissolution Rate in Water (10.0 g powder added to 1,000 mL water at 20 °C under 300 rpm magnetic stirring): 100% complete optical dissolution within 8 to 25 seconds without gel lump formation.
3. Quantitative Interfacial, Wetting, Foaming, and Thermodynamic Properties in Solution:
- Equilibrium Surface Tension (DIN 53914 / ISO 304 Wilhelmy Plate or Du Noüy Ring at 25.0 °C, pure water = 72.8 mN/m):
* Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder, CAS 25417-20-3 / 25638-17-9 / 27213-90-7):
- At 0.05% w/w (0.5 g/L): 36.0 to 40.5 mN/m.
- At 0.10% w/w (1.0 g/L): 32.0 to 35.0 mN/m.
- At 0.20% w/w (2.0 g/L): 30.5 to 32.8 mN/m.
- At 0.50% to 1.00% w/w (5.0 to 10.0 g/L, above CMC): 29.8 to 32.0 mN/m.
* Sodium Diisopropyl / Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (IP Wetting Agent Powder, CAS 1322-93-6 / 28729-52-4):
- At 0.05% w/w (0.5 g/L): 38.5 to 43.0 mN/m.
- At 0.10% w/w (1.0 g/L): 34.0 to 37.5 mN/m.
- At 0.20% w/w (2.0 g/L): 32.2 to 35.0 mN/m.
- At 0.50% to 1.00% w/w (5.0 to 10.0 g/L): 31.5 to 34.0 mN/m.
* Sodium Methyl / Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 26264-58-4):
- At 0.10% w/w (1.0 g/L): 45.5 to 51.5 mN/m.
- At 0.50% w/w (5.0 g/L): 40.5 to 46.0 mN/m.
- At 1.00% w/w (10.0 g/L): 38.0 to 42.5 mN/m.
- Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC at 25 °C in Deionized Water vs. 342 ppm CaCO3 Hard Water / 0.1 M NaCl):
* Dibutyl / Diisobutyl SANS Powder: CMC = 0.80 to 1.60 g/L (2.3 to 4.7 mM) in deionized water; reduced to 0.25 to 0.50 g/L in 0.1 M NaCl electrolyte.
* Diisopropyl / Isopropyl SANS Powder: CMC = 1.60 to 3.10 g/L (5.1 to 11.4 mM) in deionized water; reduced to 0.55 to 1.15 g/L in 0.1 M NaCl.
* Methyl SANS Powder: Minimum Hydrotropic Aggregation Concentration (MHC) = 8.5 to 17.5 g/L (35 to 72 mM).
- Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB Value): 11.2 to 12.4 for Dibutyl/Diisobutyl BX Powder; 12.5 to 13.4 for Diisopropyl/Isopropyl IP Powder; 13.6 to 14.8 for Methyl SANS Powder.
- Draves Cotton Skein Wetting Time (ASTM D2281 / ISO 8022, 5.0 g unbleached cotton skein, 40 g anchor, 25.0 °C):
* Dibutyl / Diisobutyl BX Powder: 4.0 to 8.5 seconds at 1.0 g/L (0.10% w/w); 1.8 to 4.0 seconds at 2.0 g/L (0.20% w/w); < 1.5 seconds at 5.0 g/L (0.50% w/w).
* Diisopropyl / Isopropyl IP Powder: 6.5 to 14.0 seconds at 1.0 g/L (0.10% w/w); 3.0 to 7.0 seconds at 2.0 g/L (0.20% w/w); <= 2.2 seconds at 5.0 g/L (0.50% w/w).
- CIPAC Agrochemical Powder Wetting Time (CIPAC MT 53.3 Tape/Beaker Method in 342 ppm CaCO3 Standard Water D at 25 °C):
* Formulated 50% to 80% WP or WDG containing 1.5% to 3.0% w/w SANS Powder wets completely in 7.0 to 24.0 seconds (exceeding the FAO/WHO specification requirement of <= 60 seconds).
- Ross-Miles Foam Height (ASTM D1173 / ISO 696, 0.10% w/w in 342 ppm hard water at 25 °C):
* Dibutyl BX Powder: Initial height (0 min) = 80 to 140 mm; 5-minute height = 15 to 42 mm.
* Isopropyl IP Powder: Initial height (0 min) = 50 to 105 mm; 5-minute height = 8 to 25 mm.
* Methyl SANS Powder: Initial height (0 min) = 10 to 30 mm; 5-minute height = 0 to 6 mm.
- CIPAC Persistent Foaming (CIPAC MT 47.2, 1.0% w/w dispersion in 342 ppm hard water after 1 minute stand): 12 to 38 mL un-defoamed; <= 2 to 12 mL when co-formulated with 0.1% to 0.2% dry silicone antifoam powder.
- Aqueous Solution pH (ISO 4316 / CIPAC MT 75.3, 1.0% w/w aqueous solution at 25 °C): 7.0 to 9.0 (neutral to mildly alkaline; specialized buffered grades at pH 7.0 to 8.5).
- Aqueous Solubility Saturation Limit (at 20 °C vs. 60 °C): 180 to 320 g/L (at 20 °C) and > 450 g/L (at 60 °C) for Dibutyl BX Powder; 250 to 400 g/L (at 20 °C) for Isopropyl IP Powder; 380 to 520 g/L (at 20 °C) for Methyl SANS Powder.
- Acid, Alkali, and Hard-Water Stability Window: Stable against hydrolysis from pH 1.0 (5% to 15% H2SO4 or HCl) to pH 14.0 (20% to 28% NaOH); clear and precipitate-free in hard water up to 800 to 1,800 ppm CaCO3; Cloud Point > 100 °C (none).
- Thermal Stability and Dust Combustibility Parameters: Glass transition temperature Tg = 155 °C to 185 °C (anhydrous); TGA decomposition onset = 255 °C to 295 °C; Dust Explosion Class = St 1 (Kst = 45 to 110 bar.m/s); Minimum Ignition Temperature (MIT) of dust cloud = 420 °C to 470 °C; Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) > 30 to 100 mJ.
SPRAY-DRYING ENGINEERING AND SOLID-STATE PARTICLE DESIGN
Manufacturing a premium, non-caking, rapidly dissolving Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder requires precise integration of upstream aromatic alkylation-sulfonation chemistry with downstream spray-drying and fluidized-bed particle engineering:
1. Upstream Synthesis of the Neutralized SANS Feed Liquor:
Refined molten naphthalene (C10H8, >= 99.2% purity) is catalytically alkylated at 115 °C to 170 °C with n-butanol, isobutanol, sec-butanol, isopropanol, propylene, butylene, or methanol to achieve a targeted degree of substitution of 1.3 to 1.9 alkyl groups per naphthalene ring, enriching the intermediate in beta-substituted 2-alkyl, 2,6-dialkyl, and 2,7-dialkyl positional isomers. Following vacuum stripping of trace unreacted naphthalene (< 40 ppm), the alkylnaphthalene oil is sulfonated at 55 °C to 85 °C using either 20% to 65% oleum (with subsequent dilution-skimming of spent sulfuric acid) or a continuous falling-film gaseous sulfur trioxide (SO3) reactor (for low-salt 85% to 95% active powders). The resulting alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (pKa < -1.5) is neutralized continuously in a cooled high-shear loop reactor with 25% to 32% w/w aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to pH 7.5 to 8.8, optionally bleached with 0.3% hydrogen peroxide, and polished through diatomaceous-earth pre-coat filters to yield a crystal-clear 42.0% to 52.0% w/w aqueous SANS feed slurry at 55 °C to 70 °C.
2. Co-Current Spray-Drying Tower Atomization and Hollow-Sphere Formation:
To convert the 45% to 50% w/w aqueous SANS liquor into a low-density, fast-wetting powder, the preheated feed is pressurized to 4.0 to 12.0 MPa via a triplex plunger pump and atomized through tungsten-carbide swirl pressure nozzles (or a centrifugal rotary disk spinning at 12,000 to 16,000 rpm) at the crown of a cylindrical-conical co-current spray-drying chamber. Filtered dry air heated to an inlet temperature of 195 °C to 235 °C contacts the atomized 40 to 100 micrometer liquid droplets. Within 0.5 to 2.0 seconds, rapid surface evaporation forms a semi-permeable viscoelastic skin of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate and microcrystalline anhydrous sodium sulfate around each droplet. As internal water flashes into steam at 100 °C to 115 °C, the droplet inflates into a hollow, thin-walled microsphere with microscopic blow-holes before solidifying completely as the exhaust air exits the tower base at 88 °C to 105 °C.
3. Fluidized-Bed Cooling, Anti-Caking Conditioning, and Micro-Granulation:
Because freshly spray-dried SANS Powder exiting the tower cyclone at 85 °C to 95 °C is above its moisture-equilibrium temperature and can sinter if packed hot, the powder is discharged directly into a dehumidified, chilled-air fluidized-bed cooler (conditioning air temperature 15 °C to 22 °C, relative humidity < 30% RH) that cools the powder below 32 °C and stabilizes residual moisture at <= 1.5% to 2.5% w/w. In specialized agrochemical WP/WDG grades, 0.5% to 2.0% w/w of ultrafine precipitated hydrated silica (SiO2, D50 = 5 micrometers) or fumed silica may be surface-dusted onto the microspheres in the cooling zone to act as a solid-state ball-bearing flow aid, reducing the angle of repose below 32 degrees and preventing warehouse stack-pressure caking. Where dust-free handling is required, fine spray-dried powder recycled from the baghouse filter is agglomerated in a fluid-bed spray granulator to produce dust-free micro-granules (D50 = 200 to 400 micrometers) that retain instantaneous water solubility.
INTERFACIAL WETTING, CAPILLARY WICKING AND CO-MILLING MECHANISMS
When Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder is dry-blended and co-milled into a solid formulation or dosed into an aqueous process bath, it executes four distinct physicochemical mechanisms that govern product quality:
1. Solid-State Co-Milling and Surface Coating During Air-Jet Micronization:
In the production of agrochemical Wettable Powders (WP) and Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG), technical pesticide crystals (such as tebuconazole, mancozeb, sulfur, atrazine, or chlorothalonil) are blended with clay/silica carriers and 1.5% to 4.0% w/w of SANS Powder and fed into a supersonic air-jet mill (fluid-energy mill operating at 0.6 to 0.8 MPa compressed air). Because spray-dried Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder is a brittle, amorphous solid with a glass transition temperature Tg > 155 °C and thermal decomposition > 250 °C, the hollow SANS microspheres fracture cleanly during inter-particle collisions without melting or smearing. Sub-micron fragments of Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder coat the newly cleaved hydrophobic crystal faces of the active ingredient in the dry state. Consequently, every micronized pesticide particle (D50 = 2.0 to 5.0 micrometers) exits the air-jet mill pre-armored with a hydrophilic sodium sulfonate surface layer.
2. Instantaneous Dissolution and Millisecond Boundary-Layer Diffusion:
When the formulated WP or WDG powder hits the surface of cold or hard water in an agricultural spray tank (or when Penetrant BX Powder is added to a textile scouring bath), the hollow porous morphology and high aqueous solubility (180 to 520 g/L) of SANS Powder trigger immediate dissolution within milliseconds. Unlike long-chain C12-C18 surfactants or polymeric surfactants that pass through a viscous hexagonal or lamellar liquid-crystalline gel phase upon hydration, compact monomeric SANS molecules (MW 244 to 342 g/mol) disperse directly into monomeric solution with a high Fickian diffusion coefficient (D = 4.5 x 10^-10 to 6.8 x 10^-10 m2/s at 25 °C).
3. Collapse of Interfacial Tension and Contact Angle (Young-Dupré Wetting):
Adsorbing rapidly at both the air-water interface and the hydrophobic solid-water interface via pi-pi aromatic stacking and C3-C4 alkyl van der Waals forces, Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder and Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder slash aqueous surface tension (gamma_LV) from 72.8 mN/m down to 29.8 to 36.5 mN/m while simultaneously lowering solid-liquid interfacial tension (gamma_SL). Per the Young-Dupré equation, cos(theta) = (gamma_SV - gamma_SL) / gamma_LV shifts from negative (non-wetting contact angle theta = 105 to 135 degrees) to positive (wetting contact angle theta = 35 to 52 degrees) in under 1.0 second. Trapped air films surrounding floating powder rafts are displaced instantaneously, causing the powder bed to sink in 7 to 25 seconds under CIPAC MT 53.3 testing.
4. Lucas-Washburn Capillary Wicking and Explosive WDG Granule Disintegration:
In compacted Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG), water must wick into the 1 to 20 micrometer inter-particle pores before the granule can disintegrate. Because SANS Powder maximizes wetting tension (gamma_LV * cos(theta)) while keeping the penetrating liquid viscosity water-thin (eta ~ 1.05 mPa.s), capillary penetration velocity per the Lucas-Washburn equation l^2 = (r * gamma_LV * cos(theta) * t) / (2 * eta) is maximized. Water floods the internal pore network of the WDG granule in 2 to 8 seconds, dissolving the binder bridges and building electrostatic repulsion (Zeta Potential = -32 to -48 mV) that bursts the granule into a cloud of primary particles ("spontaneous bloom") within 10 to 30 seconds.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF SODIUM ALKYL NAPHTHALENE SULPHONATE POWDER
1. Agrochemical Dry and Liquid Formulations (WP, WDG/WG, SP, DS, and SC):
- Wettable Powders (WP): Dosed at 1.5% to 4.0% w/w alongside 3.0% to 6.0% w/w of a polymeric dispersant (such as Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate Powder or Sodium Lignosulfonate) and kaolin/silica carriers, Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (IP Powder) and Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder) provide rapid CIPAC MT 53.3 wetting times of 8 to 25 seconds across fungicides (Mancozeb 80% WP, Copper Oxychloride 50% WP, Sulfur 80% WP, Carbendazim 50% WP, Cymoxanil + Mancozeb WP), insecticides (Imidacloprid 70% WP, Lambda-Cyhalothrin 10% WP, Cypermethrin 25% WP, Buprofezin 25% WP), and herbicides (Atrazine 80% WP, Diuron 80% WP, Metsulfuron-Methyl 20% WP).
- Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG / WG): Incorporated at 1.5% to 3.5% w/w in twin-screw extruded, high-shear pan-granulated, and fluid-bed spray-dried WDG formulations (such as Tebuconazole 80% WDG, Azoxystrobin 50% WDG, Chlorothalonil 75% WDG, Thiamethoxam 25% WDG, Emamectin Benzoate 5% WDG, and Glyphosate Ammonium 75.7% WSG). SANS Powder acts as a non-plasticizing, thermally stable solid wetting agent and extrusion aid that guarantees <= 15 to 40 second granule disintegration (CIPAC MT 174) and >= 85% to 95% suspensibility (CIPAC MT 184) in 342 ppm hard water even after 14 days of accelerated storage at 54 °C (CIPAC MT 46.3).
- Soluble Powders (SP) and Dry Seed-Treatment Powders (DS): Added at 0.5% to 2.5% w/w in water-soluble insecticide/fungicide powders (such as Acephate 75% SP, Acetamiprid 20% SP, and Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP), SANS Powder accelerates dissolution in cold field water and lowers spray solution surface tension to ~33 mN/m for superior foliar retention on waxy crop leaves.
- Suspension Concentrates (SC): Low-salt high-purity SANS Powder (85% to 95% active, <= 3% Na2SO4) is dosed at 0.5% to 2.0% w/w into aqueous SC mill bases to rapidly wet hydrophobic technical powders, expel occluded air pockets, and reduce slurry yield stress during wet zirconia bead milling.
2. Textile Pretreatment, Scouring, Mercerizing, Carbonizing, and Dyestuff Standardization:
- Textile Wet Processing (Penetrant BX Powder / Pulling Agent BX): Dosed at 0.5 to 3.0 g/L into cotton desizing, alkaline kier-boiling and continuous pad-steam scouring (10 to 40 g/L NaOH at 95 °C to 105 °C), hydrogen peroxide bleaching, concentrated caustic cotton mercerizing (200 to 280 g/L NaOH), and acidic wool carbonizing (50 to 75 g/L H2SO4 at pH < 1.0), Wetting Agent BX Powder provides < 3-second fabric sinking and deep capillary liquor penetration without clouding or acid/alkali hydrolysis.
- Commercial Dyestuff and Pigment Powder Standardization: Dyestuff manufacturers dry-blend 1.0% to 5.0% w/w of Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder or Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder directly into commercial disperse dyes, vat dyes, sulfur dyes, reactive dyes, and acid dye powders (alongside polymeric naphthalene sulfonate condensate dispersants) so that the finished dye powder wets out instantaneously without forming floating tar specks when pasted by dyehouse operators.
3. Emulsion Polymerization and Synthetic Rubber Latex Production:
- Styrene-Butadiene (SBR), Nitrile-Butadiene (NBR), and Polychloroprene (CR) Rubber Latices: Charged at 0.3% to 2.5% phm (parts per hundred monomer) into polymerization reactors, low-electrolyte Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 25417-20-3) and Sodium Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 1322-93-6) generate uniform monomer-swollen micelles that control latex particle nucleation (60 to 180 nm), prevent reactor fouling, and stabilize finished rubber latices against mechanical shear and compounding coagulation.
4. Dry-Mix Industrial Cleaners, Metal Treatment Powders, and Mining Dust Cartridges:
- Powdered Alkaline Degreasers, Bottle-Washing Compounds, and Steam Cleaners: Dry-blended at 2.0% to 8.0% w/w into caustic soda beads, sodium metasilicate, soda ash, and phosphate/chelate powders, Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder and Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder provide non-caking storage stability in the dry drum and instant low-foam wetting, oil penetration, and hydrotropic coupling upon dissolution in hot wash tanks (60 °C to 95 °C).
- Powdered Acid Metal Cleaners and Pickling Inhibitors: Blended at 1.0% to 4.0% w/w with dry sulfamic acid, sodium bisulfate, oxalic acid, or citric acid descaling powders, SANS Powder lowers pickling bath surface tension to ~34 mN/m, accelerates scale undercutting, and releases hydrogen gas bubbles cleanly from steel surfaces.
- Solid Wetting Cartridges for Coal Mining and Quarrying Dust Suppression: Compressed into solid cylindrical water-line wetting cartridges using binder salts, Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder dissolves meteredly into mine spray-header water at 50 to 250 ppm, knocking down hydrophobic respirable coal and silica dust (< 10 micrometers) with 3x to 5x higher efficiency than plain water.
5. Construction Dry-Mix Mortars, Gypsum Plasters, and Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid:
- Gypsum Wallboard, Stucco, and Dry-Mix Tile Adhesives: Dosed at 0.05% to 0.30% w/w into dry gypsum hemihydrate or cementitious mortar mixes, SANS Powder accelerates water wetting during high-speed continuous mixer gauging, eliminating dry powder lumps ("fisheyes") and improving slurry fluidity.
- Wet-Process Phosphoric Acid and Fertilizer Manufacturing: Added at 50 to 300 g per ton of phosphate rock during sulfuric acid digestion, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder wets hydrophobic organic matter coating the apatite ore, accelerates acid attack, and modifies calcium sulfate dihydrate (phosphogypsum) crystal habit to improve filtration rates.
COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OF SANS POWDER OVER COMPETING DRY WETTERS
When formulating dry agrochemical WP/WDG powders, powdered textile auxiliaries, or dry-mix industrial cleaners, selecting Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder over alternative solid or liquid-adsorbed surfactants provides decisive engineering advantages:
1. SANS Powder vs. Solid Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DOSS Powder / 75%-85% Adsorbed Grades):
Although dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) is a strong neutral-pH wetting agent, pure DOSS is a waxy, plastic, low-melting solid that gums up air-jet mill nozzles and twin-screw extruder dies unless diluted onto 15% to 25% silica carrier. More critically, DOSS contains two carboxylic ester groups that rapidly hydrolyze into 2-ethylhexanol and inactive sulfosuccinate whenever formulation or spray-tank pH falls below 4.0 or rises above 9.0 (such as in alkaline copper fungicides, sulfur WPs, alkaline cleaners, or textile scouring baths), causing catastrophic loss of wetting power during storage. Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder is a crisp, brittle, high-melting (> 250 °C) amorphous solid that mills without silica dilution and contains zero hydrolyzable ester bonds, retaining 100% wetting speed across pH 1.0 to 14.0.
2. SANS Powder vs. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS / SDS Needles & Powder, CAS 151-21-3) and Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS Powder):
Aliphatic C12-C14 sulfate and sulfonate powders (SLS and AOS) generate massive, persistent, stable foam (Ross-Miles initial foam > 190 to 230 mm with > 90% retention after 5 minutes), which causes severe spray-tank foam overflow during farmer mixing and air entrainment during wet milling. Furthermore, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate hydrolyzes autocatalytically into lauryl alcohol and acidic sodium bisulfate during elevated-temperature storage (54 °C CIPAC accelerated stability testing or acidic formulations), and has a Krafft point around 16 °C to 20 °C that impairs cold-water dissolution (< 10 °C). SANS Powder dissolves rapidly in icy water (Krafft point < 0 °C for IP and methyl grades), generates low, fast-breaking foam (collapsing to <= 8 to 42 mm in 5 minutes), and never undergoes sulfate ester hydrolysis.
3. SANS Powder vs. Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate Powder (LAS / SDBS Powder, 70%-90%):
Linear C10-C13 alkylbenzene sulfonate powders are highly hygroscopic (rapidly caking into sticky blocks in humid air), generate heavy persistent foam, and precipitate as insoluble calcium sulfonate curds in hard water above 150 to 250 ppm CaCO3. By combining a rigid bicyclic naphthalene core with short branched C1-C4 alkyl substituents, Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder remains free-flowing in storage, produces fast-draining foam, and remains completely clear in hard water exceeding 1,000 ppm CaCO3.
4. SANS Powder vs. Liquid Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates & APEOs Adsorbed on Silica:
Incorporating liquid nonionic surfactants (such as tridecyl alcohol ethoxylates or restricted nonylphenol ethoxylates) into dry WP or WDG powders requires pre-adsorbing the liquid onto expensive precipitated silica at 1:1 weight ratios. Under warehouse pallet pressure or warm temperatures (40 °C to 54 °C), liquid ethoxylates bleed out of the silica carrier, plasticize the powder, bridge adjacent granules into hard cakes, and suffer from thermal cloud-point phase separation in hot baths. Anhydrous Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Tg > 155 °C, melting/decomposition > 250 °C) completely eliminates liquid bleeding, silica carrier dilution costs, and cloud-point failures.
GRADE SELECTION MATRIX, STARTING FORMULATIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Selecting the Optimal Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder Grade:
- Grade Type A — Sodium Isopropyl / Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (IP Powder, CAS 1322-93-6 / 28729-52-4, 75%-85% Active):
* Primary Selection Criteria: Best overall balance of rapid wetting (Draves 3.5-12 s), high cold-water solubility (> 250 g/L), crisp non-caking air-jet millability, and fast-breaking low foam.
* Target Applications: First-choice dry wetting agent for agrochemical Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG), Wettable Powders (WP), Soluble Powders (SP), and pigment dry blends.
- Grade Type B — Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder / DB Powder, CAS 25417-20-3 / 25638-17-9 / 27213-90-7, 65%-80% Active):
* Primary Selection Criteria: Maximum hydrophobicity, lowest equilibrium surface tension (29.8-33.5 mN/m), and fastest Draves wetting speed (2.0-8.0 s).
* Target Applications: Highly hydrophobic agrochemical WPs (Sulfur 80% WP, Copper Oxychloride WP, pyrethroids), textile scouring/mercerizing/carbonizing (Penetrant BX Powder), SBR/NBR rubber emulsion polymerization, and coal-mine dust suppression cartridges.
- Grade Type C — Sodium Methyl / Dimethyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (MNS Powder, CAS 26264-58-4, 80%-92% Active):
* Primary Selection Criteria: Ultra-low foam (Ross-Miles <= 10-25 mm), highest water solubility (380-520 g/L), and maximum hydrotropic coupling and mill-base viscosity reduction.
* Target Applications: Powdered high-alkali industrial degreasers, bottle-washing compounds, disperse/vat dye standardization, acid pickling powders, and agrochemical SC wet milling.
- Grade Type D — Synergistic SANS Monomer + Condensate Co-Spray-Dried Powder (EFW Powder, CAS 68909-83-1 / 68425-94-5, 80%-90% Active):
* Primary Selection Criteria: Combines instantaneous monomeric wetting with oligomeric electrostatic dispersion in a single free-flowing powder.
* Target Applications: Streamlined one-pack surfactant systems for agrochemical WP, WDG, and refractory/ceramic dry mixes.
2. Industrial Starting Formulations Featuring Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder:
- Starting Formulation 1 — Agricultural 75% Water-Dispersible Granule (Tebuconazole or Chlorothalonil 75% WDG via Twin-Screw Extrusion):
* Technical Active Ingredient (adjusted to 75.0% w/w active): 77.30% w/w.
* Dry Wetting Agent — Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (IP SANS Powder, CAS 1322-93-6, 80% active, moisture <= 2.0%): 2.50% w/w.
* Primary Polymeric Dispersant — Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensate Powder (CAS 68425-94-5): 6.50% w/w.
* Co-Dispersant & Extrusion Binder — Sodium Lignosulfonate Powder: 5.00% w/w.
* Water-Soluble Disintegrant — Anhydrous Ammonium Sulfate: 4.00% w/w.
* Dry Silicone Antifoam Powder: 0.30% w/w.
* Carrier Diluent — Kaolin Clay (to 100.00% w/w): 4.40% w/w.
* Processing & Performance: Dry-blend all powders, air-jet mill to D50 = 3.5 micrometers, knead with 15% water, extrude through 0.8 mm die, and fluid-bed dry at 65 °C to <= 1.2% moisture. Achieves 9-second CIPAC MT 53.3 wetting time, 18-second granule disintegration, and 91% suspensibility in 342 ppm hard water.
- Starting Formulation 2 — Agricultural 80% Wettable Powder (Sulfur 80% WP or Mancozeb 80% WP):
* Technical Active Ingredient (adjusted to 80.0% w/w active): 88.90% w/w.
* Rapid Wetting Agent — Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder, CAS 25417-20-3, 75% active): 2.20% w/w.
* Primary Dispersant — Sodium Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate Powder: 4.50% w/w.
* Anti-Caking Flow Aid — Precipitated Hydrated Silica (SiO2): 2.00% w/w.
* Inert Carrier — Kaolin Clay (to 100.00% w/w): 2.40% w/w.
* Performance: Air-jet milled to D50 = 4.2 micrometers; CIPAC MT 53.3 wetting time = 11 seconds; 30-minute suspensibility = 89%; 75-micrometer wet sieve residue = 0.02%.
- Starting Formulation 3 — Heavy-Duty Powdered Alkaline Industrial Metal Degreaser & Soak Cleaner:
* Anhydrous Sodium Metasilicate Beads: 35.00% w/w.
* Sodium Hydroxide Micro-Pearls (Caustic Soda): 25.00% w/w.
* Sodium Carbonate (Dense Soda Ash): 22.00% w/w.
* Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) or Trisodium MGDA Granules: 12.00% w/w.
* Low-Foam Wetting & Hydrotropic Surfactant — Sodium Methyl or Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (SANS Powder, CAS 26264-58-4 / 28729-52-4): 6.00% w/w.
* Performance: Non-caking free-flowing powder; used at 30 to 60 g/L at 70 °C to 90 °C for rapid saponification and penetration of heavy stamping oils without foam overflow.
3. Dry-Formulation Troubleshooting Guide:
- Issue 1 — Smearing or Build-Up on Air-Jet Mill Classifier Wheel During WP/WDG Micronization:
* Cause: High moisture content in the wetting powder (> 4% w/w) or use of waxy/low-melting surfactants (such as DOSS or ethoxylates).
* Solution: Switch to anhydrous spray-dried Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (moisture <= 2.0% w/w, Tg > 155 °C, decomposition > 250 °C) and co-blend 1.5% to 2.0% precipitated silica prior to milling.
- Issue 2 — WDG Granules Wet Slowly (> 45 seconds) or Fail to Disintegrate in Cold Hard Water:
* Cause: Insufficient monomeric SANS Powder dosage (< 1.0% w/w) or over-compaction during high-pressure extrusion.
* Solution: Increase Sodium Isopropyl or Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder loading to 2.0% to 3.5% w/w alongside 3.0% to 5.0% ammonium sulfate or sodium sulfate disintegrant to accelerate Lucas-Washburn capillary wicking.
ANALYTICAL AND QUALITY CONTROL METHODS FOR SANS POWDER
Every production batch of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder supplied by Ataman Kimya undergoes strict analytical and performance certification across seven standardized laboratory protocols:
1. Active Anionic Surfactant Assay (ISO 2271 / ASTM D1681 Two-Phase Epton Titration & UV Spectrophotometry):
A 1.000 g sample of SANS Powder is dissolved in deionized water and titrated in a biphasic water-chloroform system against standardized 0.004 M benzethonium chloride using acidified dimidium bromide / disulfine blue VN 150 mixed indicator to determine exact active anionic sulfonate percentage (% w/w). Simultaneously, UV spectrophotometric absorbance at lambda_max = 228 nm and 278 nm confirms aromatic chromophore assay within +/- 0.5%.
2. Moisture Content Certification (ISO 672 Oven Loss on Drying & ASTM E203 Karl Fischer Titration):
A 5.00 g aliquot of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder is heated at 105 +/- 2 °C to constant weight (2.0 hours) and cross-checked by volumetric Karl Fischer titration in methanol to certify moisture <= 1.5% to 3.0% w/w.
3. Inorganic Sulfate and Chloride Quantification (ISO 6844 & Potentiometric Titration):
Anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) content is measured via barium chloride gravimetric precipitation or suppressed ion chromatography, while trace sodium chloride (NaCl) is quantified via automated silver nitrate (AgNO3) potentiometric titration.
4. Dry Laser Diffraction Granulometry and Wet/Dry Sieve Residue (ISO 13320, ASTM E11 & CIPAC MT 185):
Dry-dispersion laser diffraction measures D10, D50, and D90 particle size distribution, while sieve testing verifies >= 98.0% passage through a 200-mesh (75 micrometer) screen and < 0.05% insoluble residue on a 325-mesh (45 micrometer) wet sieve.
5. Loose and Tapped Bulk Density & Flowability (ISO 697, ISO 787-11 & ISO 4324):
Calibrated cylinder pour and tap volumetry certifies loose bulk density (0.35 to 0.68 g/cm3), tapped density (0.48 to 0.78 g/cm3), Hausner ratio (1.12 to 1.25), and static angle of repose (26 to 38 degrees).
6. Draves Cotton Skein and CIPAC Hydrophobic Powder Wetting Kinetics (ASTM D2281 & CIPAC MT 53.3):
Standardized Draves sinking time is measured at 1.0 g/L and 2.0 g/L in 25.0 °C water (verifying <= 2.0 to 12.0 seconds), and agrochemical powder wetting time is verified in 342 ppm CaCO3 CIPAC Standard Water D.
7. Surface Tension and Ross-Miles / CIPAC Foaming Profile (DIN 53914, ASTM D1173 & CIPAC MT 47.2):
Equilibrium surface tension at 0.1% and 0.2% w/w (29.8 to 36.5 mN/m) is verified by Wilhelmy plate tensiometry, and 0-minute / 5-minute foam heights are certified in 342 ppm hard water.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
Strict warehouse moisture management, anti-caking stacking discipline, and dust-control engineering are mandatory when storing and handling Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder across industrial plants and logistics hubs.
1. Hygroscopic Moisture Protection and Warehouse Storage Conditions for SANS Powder:
- Prevention of Atmospheric Moisture Absorption and Caking: Because spray-dried Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (including Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, Wetting Agent BX Powder, Penetrant BX Powder, Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, and Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz) consists of high-surface-area amorphous hollow microspheres, the dry powder is moderately hygroscopic when exposed to humid air (> 60% to 65% relative humidity). If bags of Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder are left unsealed in humid environments, water vapor adsorbs onto the particle surfaces, lowering the local glass transition temperature below ambient temperature and forming liquid bridges that fuse the powder into a crust or hard cake. Therefore, Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder must be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated indoor warehouse maintained at 5 °C to 35 °C (41 °F to 95 °F) and relative humidity below 60% RH, stacked on dry pallets at least 15 cm off the floor and away from steam pipes, wet walls, and direct sunlight.
- Immediate Resealing of Partially Used Bags and Pallet Stacking Limits: Whenever a 20 kg or 25 kg multi-wall bag, 50 kg fiber drum, or 500 kg FIBC bulk bag of SANS Powder is opened for batch weighing, operators must immediately press out trapped humid air, twist and seal the inner polyethylene moisture-barrier liner tightly with a zip-tie or heat-sealer, and close the outer bag. To prevent mechanical compression caking under high warehouse temperatures, palletized bags of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder should not be double-stacked more than 2 pallets high (or should be stored in pallet racking). Note that if mild physical pressure lumping occurs in stored bags of Wetting Agent BX Powder without chemical contamination, the anionic wetting activity and surface tension reduction of the powder remain 100% intact, and the soft lumps delump easily in ribbon blenders or dissolve completely in water.
2. Industrial Hygiene, Dust Control, and Static Grounding Procedures:
- Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) at Powder Transfer Stations: Because standard spray-dried Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder has a median particle size D50 of 35 to 85 micrometers, manual bag dumping, scooping, pneumatic conveying, ribbon blending, and air-jet milling can suspend fine organic dust in workplace air. All hoppers, mixers, and packaging stations handling SANS Powder or Penetrant BX Powder must be equipped with local exhaust ventilation (LEV) hoods vented to pulse-jet baghouse dust collectors to maintain workplace airborne concentrations below occupational exposure limits (8-hour TWA <= 10 mg/m3 inhalable dust and <= 3 mg/m3 respirable dust).
- Dust Deflagration Prevention and Electrostatic Earthing: Finely divided airborne clouds of organic sodium sulfonate powders—including Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder (Dust Explosion Class St 1, Minimum Ignition Temperature MIT > 420 °C, Minimum Ignition Energy MIE > 30 to 100 mJ)—can pose a dust explosion hazard if dispersed in air above the minimum explosible concentration (40 to 60 g/m3) in the presence of static sparks or open flames. All metallic silos, pneumatic transfer lines, air-jet mills, fluid-bed dryers, and FIBC unloading frames handling Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder must be electrically bonded and grounded (earthing resistance < 10 Ohms), and static-dissipative Type B or Type C FIBC bulk bags should be used when discharging powder into vessels containing flammable vapors.
- Chemical Segregation: Store Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder segregated from strong oxidizing agents (concentrated nitric acid, peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, and solid hypochlorite) and cationic quaternary ammonium compounds.
3. Compatible Equipment Materials and Packaging Specifications:
- Materials of Construction: Dry Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder and its neutral aqueous solutions (pH 7.0 to 9.0) are completely compatible with 304 and 316L stainless steel, carbon steel (for dry powder hoppers only), HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, PTFE, EPDM, and fluoroelastomer seals.
- Standard Commercial Packaging: 20 kg or 25 kg net multi-wall kraft paper or woven polypropylene bags with heat-sealed inner low-density polyethylene (LDPE) moisture-barrier liners (500 kg to 750 kg per stretch-wrapped pallet), 25 kg or 50 kg PE-lined fiber drums, and 500 kg to 1,000 kg FIBC bulk super sacks with inner PE liners.
- Guaranteed Shelf Life: 24 to 36 months from manufacture date when stored unopened in original moisture-barrier packaging under recommended dry warehouse conditions.
FIRST AID MEASURES AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Because Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (including Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, Wetting Agent BX Powder, Penetrant BX Powder, SANS Powder, and Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz) is a concentrated, rapid-wetting anionic surfactant solid (65% to 95% active matter), direct contact with the dry powder or its concentrated aqueous solutions causes serious eye irritation or damage and moderate skin and respiratory tract irritation. All personnel handling Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder must strictly observe the first aid and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols below.
1. Emergency First Aid Procedures by Route of Exposure:
- Eye Contact with Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder: Airborne dust or solid granules of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Wetting Agent BX Powder / SANS Powder) entering the eyes dissolve rapidly in the tear film, lowering surface tension and causing severe ocular pain, conjunctival redness, watering, and potential corneal epithelial damage (GHS Eye Damage Category 1, H318, or Eye Irritation Category 2A, H319). If Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder contacts the eyes, do NOT rub the eyes; immediately flush the eyes with a gentle, continuous stream of lukewarm running water or sterile isotonic eyewash solution for at least 15 to 20 minutes while holding the upper and lower eyelids wide open and rolling the eyeballs to irrigate underneath the lids. Remove contact lenses after the first 5 minutes of rinsing if present and easy to do, then continue flushing. Obtain immediate ophthalmological medical attention after any eye exposure to SANS Powder.
- Skin Contact with Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder: Prolonged or repeated contact of dry Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder with damp or sweaty skin extracts epidermal lipids, causing skin dryness, chapping, erythema, and irritant contact dermatitis (GHS Skin Irritation Category 2, H315). If Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder or Penetrant BX Powder contacts the skin, gently brush off excess dry powder before wetting, then wash the affected skin thoroughly with mild soap and abundant running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove dust-contaminated work coveralls, gloves, and shoes and launder them before reuse. Apply a soothing emollient cream if skin dryness develops, and seek medical advice if redness or irritation persists.
- Inhalation of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder Dust: Inhaling fine airborne dust of spray-dried Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder irritates the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory passages, triggering sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, sore throat, and chest discomfort. If an operator inhales dust of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder or Wetting Agent BX Powder, immediately move the person out of the dusty area into fresh air and keep the patient warm and at rest in a comfortable semi-upright position. Have the exposed individual blow their nose gently and rinse the mouth and nasal passages with clean water to remove deposited SANS Powder particles. If coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath persists, seek prompt medical attention.
- Accidental Ingestion of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder: Swallowing Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (acute oral LD50 in rats = 1,250 to 3,500 mg/kg depending on alkyl homologue) irritates the mouth, esophagus, and stomach lining, causing burning discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. If Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder or Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz is accidentally swallowed, rinse the mouth thoroughly with fresh water and spit the rinse water out. Give a conscious, alert victim 150 to 250 mL (1 glass) of water to drink slowly to dilute the dissolved surfactant. Do NOT induce vomiting, because foaming of SANS Powder during vomiting creates a high risk of aspirating surfactant foam into the lungs (chemical pneumonitis). If spontaneous vomiting occurs, keep the patient's head low and leaned forward to keep the airway clear, and seek immediate medical care.
- Note to Physicians: Treat exposure to Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder symptomatically. Perform fluorescein slit-lamp examination following ocular exposure. If gastric lavage is necessary after large ingestion, administer simethicone defoamer and protect the airway via endotracheal intubation.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Handling Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder:
- Eye and Face Protection: Wear tight-fitting dust-proof and splash-proof chemical safety goggles (EN 166 / ANSI Z87.1 compliant) whenever scooping, weighing, bag-dumping, milling, or dissolving Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder.
- Respiratory Protection: Whenever local exhaust ventilation does not keep airborne dust below occupational exposure limits—or during manual bag dumping, jet-mill cleaning, and dry spill recovery—wear a certified particulate filtering half-mask respirator rated EN 149 FFP2/FFP3 or NIOSH N95/P100.
- Hand and Body Protection: Wear impervious nitrile rubber, neoprene, or butyl rubber gloves (thickness >= 0.40 mm, EN 374), long-sleeved antistatic dust-tight work coveralls, and safety boots.
3. Fire-Fighting and Dry Spill Cleanup Procedures for Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder:
- Fire Fighting: Solid Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder is a combustible organic salt at elevated temperatures (auto-ignition temperature > 400 °C) and decomposes in fire to emit irritating fumes of sulfur oxides (SO2, SO3), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sodium oxide ash. Extinguish fires using water fog/mist, foam, dry chemical powder (ABC), or CO2. Never direct a high-pressure solid water jet into burning piles of SANS Powder, as this can disperse a combustible dust cloud. Firefighters must wear positive-pressure SCBA and full protective gear.
- Dry Spill Cleanup: Do NOT sweep spilled Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder with dry brooms or blow with compressed air, which creates irritating airborne dust clouds. Vacuum spilled Wetting Agent BX Powder or SANS Powder using an industrial HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or gently shovel the dry powder into sealed, labeled polyethylene recovery drums, then flush final trace residue with water while cautioning personnel that wet SANS solutions make floors extremely slippery.
TOXICOLOGICAL, ECOTOXICOLOGICAL AND GLOBAL REGULATORY STATUS
1. Mammalian Toxicology and GHS Classification of SANS Powder:
- Acute Oral Toxicity (OECD 401 / 423, Rat): LD50 = 1,250 to 2,400 mg/kg bw for Sodium Dibutyl and Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 25417-20-3 / CAS 1322-93-6, GHS Acute Oral Category 4, H302); LD50 = 2,200 to > 3,500 mg/kg bw for Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 26264-58-4).
- Acute Dermal Toxicity (OECD 402, Rabbit/Rat): LD50 > 2,000 mg/kg bw (non-toxic by skin absorption).
- Eye and Skin Irritation (OECD 404 / 405): Causes serious eye damage or serious eye irritation (GHS Category 1, H318, or Category 2A, H319) and skin irritation (GHS Category 2, H315); Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure Category 3 (H335: May cause respiratory irritation from dust inhalation).
- Sensitization, Mutagenicity, and Carcinogenicity: Non-sensitizing in OECD 406 Guinea Pig Maximization tests; negative in OECD 471 Ames bacterial reverse mutation assays; not listed as a carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA, or EU CLP.
2. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Fate:
- Aquatic Toxicity (OECD 201 / 202 / 203): 96-hour Fish LC50 = 12.0 to 45.0 mg/L (dibutyl/diisopropyl powders) and 45.0 to > 100 mg/L (methyl powders); 48-hour Daphnia magna EC50 = 15.0 to 58.0 mg/L; 72-hour Algae ErC50 = 22.0 to 85.0 mg/L.
- Biodegradability and Bioaccumulation: Inherently biodegradable in industrial wastewater treatment plants (55% to > 80% ultimate removal in OECD 302B Zahn-Wellens tests); low octanol-water partition coefficient (Log Kow = -1.2 to +2.4) and low fish bioconcentration factor (BCF < 10 to 45 L/kg), confirming zero bioaccumulation risk; 100% APEO-free.
3. Global Regulatory Clearances and Chemical Inventories:
- US EPA Pesticide Inert Ingredient Clearances (40 CFR Part 180): Approved under 40 CFR 180.910 (pre- and post-harvest agricultural crop use) and 40 CFR 180.920 / 180.930 for key homologues including CAS 25638-17-9, CAS 1322-93-6, CAS 28729-52-4, CAS 26264-58-4, and CAS 68425-94-5.
- US FDA Indirect Food-Contact Clearances (21 CFR): Approved under 21 CFR 175.105 (Adhesives), 21 CFR 176.170 / 176.180 (Paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous, fatty, and dry foods), and 21 CFR 177.2600 (Rubber articles for repeated use).
- Global Inventory Registrations: Listed on US TSCA (Active), EU EINECS / REACH (272-717-9, 246-960-6, 247-148-4, 215-343-3, 249-189-3, 247-557-8), Turkey KKDIK, China IECSC, Japan ENCS (4-490 / 4-493), Korea K-REACH, Canada DSL, Australia AIIC, and Philippines PICCS.
- Transport Classification (ADR / RID / IMDG / IATA): Not regulated as a dangerous good for road, rail, sea, or air transport (Non-Hazardous Cargo, UN Number: Not Applicable).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder preferred over liquid surfactants in agrochemical WP and WDG formulations?
Anhydrous spray-dried Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (SANS Powder / IP Powder / Wetting Agent BX Powder) has a moisture content below 1.5% to 3.0% w/w, a glass transition temperature above 155 °C, and a thermal decomposition point above 250 °C. Unlike liquid nonionic ethoxylates or waxy DOSS that bleed out of carriers, gum up air-jet mills, and cause warehouse caking under stack pressure, SANS Powder co-mills cleanly with technical pesticide crystals and dissolves instantaneously upon hitting spray-tank water to deliver 8 to 25 second CIPAC MT 53.3 wetting times.
What is the difference between IP-type Sodium Isopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder and BX-type Sodium Dibutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder?
IP-type Sodium Isopropyl / Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 1322-93-6 / 28729-52-4, MW 272.30 to 314.38 g/mol, HLB 12.5-13.4) offers higher cold-water solubility (> 250 g/L), lower persistent foam, and crisp non-caking granulation behavior, making it the preferred dry wetting agent for extruded agrochemical Water-Dispersible Granules (WDG/WG) and Wettable Powders (WP). BX-type Sodium Dibutyl / Diisobutyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 25417-20-3 / 25638-17-9, MW 342.43 g/mol, HLB 11.2-12.4) possesses a larger C4 hydrophobic core that achieves lower equilibrium surface tension (29.8 to 33.5 mN/m) and faster Draves sinking times (2.0 to 8.0 seconds), making it ideal for highly hydrophobic sulfur/copper WPs, textile scouring/mercerizing (Penetrant BX Powder), and rubber emulsion polymerization.
Can Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder be used alone in WP and WDG formulations without a polymeric dispersant?
Monomeric Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (MW 244 to 342 g/mol) is engineered to rapidly lower surface tension and displace air from hydrophobic powder surfaces within seconds, plus provide initial electrostatic deagglomeration. However, to prevent wetted particles from flocculating and settling over 30 to 60 minutes in the spray tank, SANS Powder (dosed at 1.5% to 3.5% w/w) should always be paired with 4.0% to 8.0% w/w of a polymeric dispersant such as Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate Powder (SNFC) or Sodium Lignosulfonate (or selected as a co-spray-dried EFW monomer-condensate hybrid powder).
Why do standard grades of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder contain 15% to 25% anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4)?
In standard spray-dried Wetting Agent BX Powder and IP Wetting Powder grades (70% to 80% active surfactant), the 15% to 25% w/w anhydrous sodium sulfate fraction serves two important engineering functions: first, it forms a rigid crystalline scaffold inside the spray-dried microspheres that prevents hygroscopic caking during humid storage and air-jet milling; second, upon dissolution in water, the Na+ ions compress the electrical double layer at the air-water interface, lowering the surfactant's critical micelle concentration (CMC) and accelerating Draves wetting speed by 25% to 40%. For electrolyte-sensitive liquid Suspension Concentrates (SC) or emulsion polymerization, Ataman Kimya also supplies low-salt high-purity SANS Powder grades containing 85% to 95% active matter and <= 2% to 5% Na2SO4.
Does caking or lumping during humid warehouse storage reduce the wetting performance of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder?
No, physical caking caused by moisture absorption (> 65% RH) or pallet stack pressure is purely a physical bridging phenomenon between amorphous powder particles and does not alter the covalent aromatic carbon-sulfur or carbon-carbon bonds of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder. Once delumped mechanically or dissolved in water, caked SANS Powder exhibits 100% of its original surface tension reduction and Draves wetting speed.
How does Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder perform in extreme acidic, alkaline, and hard-water environments?
Because the aromatic sulfonate group (-SO3Na) is the salt of a strong sulfonic acid (pKa < -1.5) attached via a non-hydrolyzable carbon-sulfur bond, Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder remains fully ionized and chemically stable from pH 1.0 (boiling 5% to 10% sulfuric acid wool carbonizing and steel pickling baths) up to pH 14.0 (20% to 28% caustic soda cotton mercerizing and bottle-washing solutions), and resists calcium/magnesium precipitation in hard water exceeding 1,000 ppm CaCO3.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder—globally traded across chemical supply chains under its key synonyms Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Powder, SANS Powder, ANS Powder, Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Sodium Salt Powder, Wetting Agent BX Powder (CAS 25417-20-3 / CAS 25638-17-9 / CAS 27213-90-7), Penetrant BX Powder, Sodium Isopropyl and Diisopropyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 28729-52-4 / CAS 1322-93-6), Sodium Methyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (CAS 26264-58-4), and Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz—is the premier anhydrous anionic wetting agent, capillary penetrant, and dry co-milling surfactant for modern industrial formulation. Engineered as free-flowing, hollow spray-dried microspheres and low-dust micro-granules (65.0% to 95.0% active matter, moisture <= 1.5% to 3.0% w/w, bulk density 0.35 to 0.68 g/cm3, thermal decomposition > 250 °C), SANS Powder dissolves instantaneously in cold and hard water (> 1,000 ppm CaCO3) to depress surface tension to 29.8 to 36.5 mN/m, deliver 2.0 to 12.0 second Draves wetting times, and maintain complete chemical stability across pH 1.0 to 14.0 without cloud-point phase separation or ester hydrolysis.
Procurement managers, agrochemical WP and WDG formulation scientists, textile auxiliary chemists, dyestuff and pigment processors, and industrial cleaner manufacturers looking for a reliable Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder supplier and global distributor can contact Ataman Kimya directly for technical grade matching and bulk commercial supply. Ataman Kimya provides palletized 20 kg and 25 kg moisture-barrier bags, fiber drums, and 500 kg to 1,000 kg FIBC super sacks of IP-grade, BX/DB-grade, MNS-grade, low-salt high-purity, and EFW co-spray-dried grades of Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder (Sodyum Alkil Naftalin Sülfonat Toz), accompanied by lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and GHS Safety Data Sheets (SDS). To request laboratory evaluation samples, technical specifications, or a competitive commercial quotation for Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate Powder, please contact the technical sales team at Ataman Kimya through the details below.
Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com