Silicone surfactant, also known as silicone polyether is primarily made up of water-insoluble silicone components and several other water-soluble polyether groups. The composition of the ingredients, molecular weight, and silicone ratio to polyether determine the solubility and other functional properties of a product. The objects made out of this material exist as linear-di-functional and multi-pendant polymers.
The surfactants are composed of a water-soluble group and a fatty oil-soluble group. These compounds are used globally as foaming agents, softeners, solubilizers, and emulsifiers. You can also find them present in several coating and ink formulations. They offer qualities such as mar resistance, slip, and leveling.
THE ADVANTAGES OF SILICONE POLYETHER
- It has excellent penetration properties
- It offers products dispersing and emulsifying characteristics
- Acts as a surface tension depressant due to its low surface tension
- It is pretty compatible with organic surfactants
- Shows high efficiency in small amounts
- Has a superb lubricity
- The toxicity levels are extremely low
SOME OF THE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND THIS INGREDIENT
- These tend to de-foam, which minimizes their efficiency in formulations
- Silicones are challenging to work with
- That they are water-insoluble
- All of them are oil insoluble
- These compounds are greasy and toxic
- You can get them only at low HLB values
- All silicones tend to polymerize
- These compounds are not similar to carbon chemistry
- It has limited use in industrial formulations
COMMON INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS:
Agriculture: They are used as wetting agents to increase the performance of pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can drastically reduce a product’s surface tension, which results in better penetration and spread of herbicides and pesticides on the targeted areas. And better effectiveness means you will need to use the product only in minimal amounts.
Coatings and Inks: As mentioned above, using these in inks and coatings makes them smoother and mar resistant, giving better foam control and leveling. The products will provide results when you use them even in lower concentrations, thus making them cost-effective.
Leather & Textiles: the textile industries use this ingredient to give the final fabrics a soft feel, versatility, and longevity, resulting in easier and quicker processing in the manufacturing stage.
Pulp and Paper: It enhances drainage, release, and de-foaming. It is used in the paper industry to make paper softer and absorbent.
Cosmetic industry: it is added to cosmetic items such as sunscreen lotions and creams as emulsifiers. It makes them creamer and offers stability along with increasing shine, softness, emollience, and detangling.
Leatherworks: Synthetic and natural leather are very thick and rough. Using polyether makes them durable, soft, dirt-resistant, and abrasion-free.
Oil and Gas: it is used as an organic demulsifier. The automobile industry also uses this surfactant to improve the shine and gloss of their vehicles.
USABILITY, LIFE & STORAGE
You need to store this material in a dry and cool spot. If stored below 12°C, it will become misty and solidify into a soft wax-like substance. If stored in the original unopened container, this stuff can stay in good condition for around two years.
Topwinsilicone is a brand that offers a wide range of silicone polyether or silicone surfactant that is custom-made for specific industries. You can know more about the company at https://www.topwinsilicone.com. To check out their products, click here - https://www.topwinsilicone.com/products/silicone-polyether/
