Nonoxynol-9 is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the group of ethoxylated nonylphenols. It is used as a detergent, washing and cleaning agent in industrial cleaning industries. It is also used in tanning, textiles and metal processing.

Nonoxynol-9 – general characteristics

It is one of the compounds belonging to ethoxylated nonylphenols. Nonoxynol-9 is the name used in the INCI nomenclature. The CAS number, which is a unique numerical identifier for a given substance, for this compound is 127087-87-0.

Nonoxynol-9 is a non-ionic surfactant. Its chemical structure and properties determine its wide use in washing and cleaning processes. It has very good detergent, degreasing and cleaning properties. It forms compatible systems with anionic and cationic surfactants. It also combines with other non-ionic auxiliaries. High thermal and chemical resistance allows Nonoxynol-9 to be used in demanding working conditions. It also exhibits significant resistance to high electrolyte concentrations.

Properties of Nonoxynol-9:

• Colourless, oily liquid or white solid
• Mild, characteristic odour
• Good solubility in water, methyl alcohol, mineral oils
• Colour on the Hazen scale: max. 70
• Freezing point: approx. 0 ᵒC
• Cloud point: 58-61 ᵒC
• Density: approx. 1.06 g/ml (at 20 ᵒC)
• Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB): 12.8
• High resistance to high temperatures
• High chemical stability (oxidising and reducing agents, acids, alkalis)

Application of Nonoxynol-9

Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical compound that is often chosen by specialists from the chemical industry. Its main areas of application are:

Intermediate product for formulation

It is one of the raw materials used to obtain formulations with cleaning and washing properties. This is due to its very good detergent properties. It effectively removes dirt from many materials, including wool, cotton, chemical fibres, hair and leather. It is particularly popular for washing and cleaning in demanding working conditions, e.g. during cotton scouring.

Emulsifier in cleaning processes

It is used as an emulsifier and dispersant. As an additive to various washing formulations, it reduces the surface tension of water, facilitating its penetration into free spaces. Its emulsifying properties additionally support the removal of dirt from material surfaces. It is effective at lower temperatures and at the same time resistant to extremely high temperatures. This property has found application in glass manufacturing, where it is a component of emulsions for lubricating moulds.

Intermediate product in the textile industry

Nonoxynol-9 can be used as a penetrant in bleaching baths. Its task is to increase the effectiveness of removing natural and artificial impurities from fabrics to prepare the material for further processing. It also participates in carbonisation and felting processes.

Supporting agent in metallurgical processes

This compound is used for alkaline cleaning of metals. It is used in metallurgical processes as a wetting agent in corrosion inhibitor compositions.

Stabiliser

One of the applications is the use of Nonoxynol-9 as a stabiliser for rubber emulsions, synthetic latexes, natural and synthetic waxes, and polishing agents. These compounds, which are highly lipophilic, are difficult to mix with ingredients that have hydrophilic properties. They form emulsions with them. The addition of Nonoxynol-9, which acts as a stabiliser, prevents the separation of immiscible phases, resulting in high stability of the emulsions under external influences. This is particularly important in industrial applications where there are varying conditions of temperature, humidity or pressure.