SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)

SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
DESCRIPTION
Synonyms:  Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Sodium Sulfoethoxylate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLES.
Chemical formula: CH 3 - (CH 2 ) n - (- O-CH 2 -CH 2 -) 2 -O-SO 3 Na; n = 11.13

Release form and appearance

Pasty product, colorless to light yellow. It is an aqueous solution of sodium salts of two-ethoxysulfates of aliphatic alcohols C12-14 of natural or synthetic origin. The content of the main substance is 70% of the mass.

Production

Sodium laureth sulfate is obtained by continuous film sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide of the corresponding two-ethoxyethylated fatty alcohols, followed by neutralization of sulfonation products. The fatty alcohols used in the production of laureth sulfates are obtained from the fatty acids of vegetable oils (coconut, palm kernel) or synthetically.

Properties

Let's dissolve in water, forms transparent solutions at any ratio; it has good foaming properties even in hard water; has high cleaning properties; well compatible with anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants.

Main areas and methods of application

Due to its excellent washing and cleaning ability, SLES is used for the production of liquid household and technical cleaning agents. Due to its good foaming properties, it is used as the main surfactant for cosmetic cleaning products such as shampoos, shower gels and bath foams. Can be used for concentrated products with lower water content.

When diluted with water, SLES forms gel-like solutions typical of ester sulfates. After adding water, the viscosity at first increases rather quickly, but after reducing the SLES content to a level of 30% and below, it decreases significantly. Liquid, stable solutions can contain up to 28% active substance. At higher concentrations, the product becomes pasty.

The viscosity of dilute solutions containing 5 to 28 %% of active detergent base (SLES and alkanolamide / insert link to CDEA /) can be easily increased by adding sodium chloride to the solution.

SPECIFICATIONS
Index    Value
Appearance    Colorless or yellowish paste
Basic substance content,%    70 ± 2
Sodium sulfate, %    1.0 max.
Non-sulfonated substance,%    2.0 max.
pH of 1% aqueous solution    7.5 ÷ 9.5
Color, Hazen scale (5% aqueous solution)    20 max.
Content 1-4 dioxane (ppm)    30 ppm max.
Packaging: 

- Polyethylene containers with a volume of 200, 220 or 1000 liters

- Bulk in tank cars, ISO tanks, flexi tanks

Safety rules and storage

The product should be stored in dry, ventilated rooms, avoiding direct sunlight. Avoid freezing of the product and its heating above +30 C. At temperatures below +10 C, the fluidity of the product is significantly reduced. If stored in its original packaging, the product can be stored for at least one year. No preservatives need to be added during storage.

According to current regulations, SLES is not poisonous or corrosive. However, its concentrated solutions have a strong degreasing effect and can irritate the skin and mucous membranes in people with hypersensitivity to the drug. When working, you must use protective clothing, rubber gloves, goggles or a mask.