TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

Nonionic Surfactants

High Detergency, Biodegradable SAEs

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

TM

Environmentally Friendly

High Performance,
Flexibility and Efficiency,
Environmentally Friendly

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

Surfactants are versatile, high

Premium Surfactants
for More Highly
Differentiated Products

performance Secondary Alcohol

The performance of TERGITOL 15-S

Ethoxylates (SAEs) that provide an

Surfactants allows formulation of

unbeatable combination of

more highly differentiated products

performance and cost when used in

for greater competitive advantage.

place of Primary Alcohol Ethoxylates

For example, in cleaning product

(PAEs), Nonylphenol Ethoxylates

formulations, TERGITOL 15-S

Stable and Compatible

(NPEs), Octylphenol Ethoxylates

Surfactants offer a unique

(OPEs), and other general purpose

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants are

combination of excellent detergency,

surfactants in a wide range of

chemically stable in the presence

rapid wetting, and fast collapsing

formulating applications.

of dilute acids, bases and salts.

foam for good rinseability.

They may be used in the presence

TERGITOL 15-S Nonionic

TERGITOL 15-S

Surfactants

Whats more, the excellent

formulating and handling properties
of TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants can
provide significant efficiencies and
economies during formulation

are excellent candidates for

use in green products, such as
environmentally friendly cleaners.
Most grades of TERGITOL 15-S
Surfactants are readily biodegradable
as determined by the OECD 301 test.
They also are low in aquatic toxicity.

of cationic antimicrobial agents.

They are compatible with anionic,
cationic, and other nonionic
surfactants, providing significant
formulating flexibility.

and handling. TERGITOL 15-S

products offer:
Rapid dissolution (even in
cold water)
Narrow gel range
Good solubility
Compatibility with many
formulation components

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

TM

TERGITOL 15-S-3

Surfactants Includes

TERGITOL 15-S-7 Surfactant provides

TERGITOL 15-S-3 Surfactant is an

exceptional wetting and detergency,

oil-soluble emulsifier that provides

excellent rinseability, outstanding

The Line of TERGITOL 15-S

TERGITOL 15-S-7

excellent hydrocarbon compatibility.

handling properties, a narrow gel range,

This surfactant is used as a defoamer

and low odor. It passes the OECD 301

in a wide range of formulations. It is

test for ready biodegradability.

also used in the formulation of

TERGITOL 15-S-7 is used to formulate

prewash spotters, metalworking fluids,

high performance cleaners and

TERGITOL 15-S-12 Surfactant offers

oil field chemicals, paper and textile

detergents, including hard surface

superior wetting and detergency,

processing, agrochemicals, and dry

cleaners. It is also used to formulate

excellent rinseability, good handling

cleaning.

prewash spotters, paper and textile

properties, a narrow gel range, and

processing, paints and coatings,

low odor. It passes the OECD 301 test

agrochemicals, and oil field chemicals.

for ready biodegradability. It is used in

TERGITOL 15-S-5

the formulation of high performance

TERGITOL 15-S-5 Surfactant is a

TERGITOL 15-S-9

excellent oil-soluble emulsifier and

TERGITOL 15-S-9 Surfactant provides

provides superior handling properties.

superior wetting and detergency.

This secondary alcohol ethoxylate can

The surfactant is distinguished by its

be used as a low-foam surfactant.

handling properties, including rapid

The product meets the OECD 301

dissolution, narrow gel range, and low

TERGITOL 15-S-15 Surfactant is a

requirements for ready biodegradation.

odor. This product meets the OECD 301

high HLB emulsifier and dispersant. It

TERGITOL 15-S-5 enhances pigment

test for ready biodegradation.

functions as a freeze-thaw stabilizer,

wetting, especially during the pigment

TERGITOL 15-S-9 Surfactant is used

provides electrolyte solubility, and

grind. It is used in formulations

in high performance cleaners and

improves high temperature wetting.

including hard surface cleaners,

detergents, hard surface cleaners,

This product passes the OECD 301

prewash spotters, paints and coatings,

prewash spotters, paper and textile

test for ready biodegradation.

emulsion cleaners, defoamers,

processing, paints and coatings,

TERGITOL 15-S-15 is used in

metalworking fluids, oil field

agrochemicals, and oil field chemicals.

emulsion polymerization, in paper

agrochemicals, and dry cleaning.

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

TM

cleaners and detergents, paper and

water-dispersible product. It is an

chemicals, paper and textile processing,

TERGITOL 15-S-12

textile processing, paints and

coatings, and agrochemicals.

TERGITOL 15-S-15

and textile processing, and in the

formulation of solid cleaners.

TERGITOL 15-S-20
TERGITOL 15-S-20 Surfactant is a
high HLB emulsifier and dispersant.
It can be used as a freeze/thaw

TERGITOL 15-S-40
TERGITOL 15-S-40 is a high HLB

stabilizer, to provide electrolyte

solubility, and for high temperature
wetting. It passes the OECD 301 test
for ready biodegradability. Like other
TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants, 15-S-20
is sold in 100 percent actives form. It
is also available in an 80 percent
actives solution with water.

emulsifier and dispersant that

provides freeze/thaw stability and
electrolyte solubility. It passes the
OECD 301 test for ready biodegradability. In addition to the 100 percent
actives form, the product is also
available in a 70 percent actives
solution with water. TERGITOL 15-S-40

TERGITOL 15-S-20 is used in

emulsion polymerization and in the
formulation of paints, coatings and
solid cleaners.

is used in emulsion polymerization

and in the formulation of paints and
coatings and solid cleaners.

TERGITOL 15-S-30
TERGITOL 15-S-30 Surfactant is a
high HLB emulsifier and dispersant. It
is used as a freeze/thaw stabilizer, to
provide electrolyte solubility, and for
high temperature wetting. It passes
the OECD 301 test for ready
biodegradability. TERGITOL 15-S-30
is used in emulsion polymerization
and in the formulation of paints,
coatings and solid cleaners.

Table 1 Typical Properties1 of TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

TERGITOL

15-S-3

15-S-5

15-S-7

15-S-9

15-S-12

15-S-15

15-S-20

15-S-30

15-S-40

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

Transparent,
Colorless Liquid

Transparent,
Colorless Liquid

Transparent,
Colorless Liquid

Transparent,
Colorless Liquid

White,
Semi-Solid

White
Solid

White
Solid

White
Solid

White
Solid

Insoluble

Dispersible

37 (99)

60 (140)

89 (192)

>100 (>212)

>100 (>212)

>100 (>212)

>100 (>212)

HLB

8.0

10.5

12.1

13.3

14.5

15.4

16.3

17.4

18.0

Viscosity at 25C (77F), cP

26

35

51

60

85

43+

49+

92+

166+

Density at 20C (68F), g/mL

0.918

0.963

0.991

1.006

1.026

1.007++

1.038+++

1.053++

1.059++

Flash Point, Closed Cup,

ASTM D93, C (F)

173 (345)

178 (352)

186 (368)

193 (380)

227 (440)

232 (450)

232 (450)

249 (480)

252 (486)

Pour Point, C (F)

-46 (-51)

-24 (-11)

2 (36)

9 (48)

20 (68)

28 (82)

32 (90)

39 (102)

44 (111)

Actives Content, wt%

Solvent
Appearance
Cloud Point,
1% aqueous solution,C (F)

Typical properties, not to be construed as specifications.

Viscosity at 50C (122F), cP
++
Density at 55C (131F), g/mL
+++
Density at 40C (131F), g/mL
1

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

provide performance superior to
PAE, NPE, OPE and other general
purpose surfactants, enabling

Performance of

formulation of highly differentiated,

TERGITOL 15-S Series

improved formulation economy

high performance products, and

and efficiency.

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants offer

superior wetting compared to most
ethoxulated surfactants. They

provide excellent cold temperature

performance and freeze/thaw
stability, for outstanding formulating
flexibility and ease of handling. The

exhibit rapid aqueous dissolution

surfactants have pour points ranging

profiles, and provide outstanding

from -46C to 44C and narrow

dispersion and emulsification

or non-existent gel ranges. The

profiles, fast foam collapse rates

for good rinseability, and superior
detergency for excellent cleaning

flexibility of TERGITOL 15-S

Surfactants is also enhanced by
their solubility in water and common

performance.

solvents and their compatibility with

anionic, cationic, and other nonionic
surfactants.

Table 2 Performance Properties1 of TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

TERGITOL

15-S-3

15-S-5

15-S-7

15-S-9

15-S-12

15-S-15

15-S-20

15-S-30

15-S-40

Equilibrium Surface
Tension2, dynes/cm

Insoluble

Dispersible

28

30

31

34

35

39

42

Dynamic Surface
Tension3, dynes/cm

Insoluble

52

43

44

47

50

52

57

59

Critical Micelle
Concentration (CMC)
in distilled water
at 25C (77F), ppm

Insoluble

Dispersible

39

56

110

180

280

710

2200

Insoluble

Dispersible
0.05
0.05

0.06
0.05

0.11
0.06

0.70
0.21

92/45
90/15
77/18

95/20
100/8
95/10

120/84
105/8
98/7

127/8
131/7
123/5

120/55
125/55
120/12

118/28
112/22
122/22

57/10
100/35
105/35

Draves 20 Sec Wetting

Conc., wt% at
25C (77F)
50C (122F)
Ross-Miles Foam Test,
Initial/5 min, 0.1 wt% at
25C (77F)
37.7C (100F)
50C (122F)
1

Insoluble

Dispersible

Typical properties, not to be construed as specifications.

Measured at 0.1% wt% and 25C (77F)
Measured at 0.1 wt% and 25C (77F), Maximum Bubble Pressure at 4 bubbles/sec

2
3

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

Equilibrium Surface
Tension
Figure 1 compares the equilibrium

Figure 1 Equilibrium Surface Tension Comparison

surface tension of two TERGITOL

36

15-S Surfactants to PAE, OPE, and

34

of ethoxylation. In comparison to

32

these other general purpose

30

dynes/cm

NPE surfactants with similar levels

surfactants, surface tension of

the 15-S products is lower.

28
26

Dynamic Surface Tension

24

Figure 2 shows the lower dynamic

22

surface tension of TERGITOL 15-S

20

Surfactants compared to PAE, OPE,

15-S-7 15-S-9

NPE

OPE

PAE

Values at 0.1 wt % Surfactant

and NPE products. The rapid diffusion

of the TERGITOL 15-S products
makes them ideally suited for spray
and wipe applications where
surface contact time is limited.

Figure 2 Dynamic Surface Tension Comparison

Surface Tension, dynes/cm

70
15-S
NPE
OPE
PAE

60
50
40
30

12

10

6
4
Bubble Frequency, Hz

wt % aqueous solutions and 25C

Table 3 Solubility of TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

TERGITOL

15-S-3

15-S-5

15-S-7

15-S-9

15-S-12

15-S-15

15-S-20

15-S-30

15-S-40

Water

Insoluble

Dispersible

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

100

100

Chlorinated Solvents

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

Soluble

None

None

Soluble in
Most

Soluble in
Most

Soluble in
Most Polar

Soluble in
Most Polar

Soluble in
Most Polar

Soluble in Most
Polar Solvents

Soluble in Most
Polar Solvents

Soluble in Most
Polar Solvents

Soluble in Most
Polar Solvents

Soluble

Soluble

Organic Solvents
Oils

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

Hard Surface Wetting

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants exhibit
low aqueous wetting compared to

Wetting Performance

other general purpose surfactants.

Figure 4 compares hard surface

TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

wetting performance of TERGITOL

provide more rapid wetting at low

15-S-9, NPE, and OPE surfactants

concentrations than PAE and NPE

using spread index methodology.

surfactants as shown in the

Foam Performance
TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants have

comparison. Figure 3 demonstrates

Dissolution Time

much less stable foam than NPE,

that at 0.05 weight percent

Figure 5 shows that TERGITOL 15-S

surfactant wetting for the 15-S is

foam collapse aids in product

Surfactants dissolve rapidly in

more than 25% faster than for a

rinseability, a significant advantage

watersignificantly faster

PAE with similar HLB.

in cleaning product and other

than PAE or NPE surfactants

formulations. Figure 6 shows initial

contributing to faster, easier

and five-minute Ross-Miles foam

product formulation. TERGITOL 15-S

performance.

OPE and PAE surfactants. Their rapid

Surfactants also offer formulating

flexibility because dissolutions rates
are rapid even in cold water and in
highly concentrated systems.

Hard Surface Cleaning

Figure 7 compares the hard surface
cleaning performance of TERGITOL
15-S Surfactants to PAE surfactants.
In this example, the detergency of
the surfactants was compared on an
oily/particulate soil on a vinyl floor
tile. The more hydrophobic (lower
HLB) products in the TERGITOL 15-S
product line exhibit significantly
higher detergency than the PAE
products. The TERGITOL 15-S
products exhibit the best overall
performance when compared to
both PAE and NPE surfactants.

Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

Figure 4 Hard Surface Wetting Comparison

30

1.5

25

1.45

15-S-9
NPE
OPE

1.4

20

Spread Index*

Wetting Time, sec

Figure 3 Draves Wetting Comparison

15
10

1.35
1.3
1.25

1.2

15-S

NPE

1.15

PAE

Draves Wetting, Cotton Skein,

0.05%, wt% Surfactant

Ceramic

Steel

water at room temperature

Figure 5 Dissolution Time Comparison

Figure 6Ross-Miles Foam Performance

120

Initial
5 Minute

100

Foam Height, mm

Dissolution Time, sec

Glass

*100 ppm aqueous surfactant drop size relative to

5
4
3

80
60
40

2
20

1
0

15-S-9

PAE

NPE

15-S

NPE

OPE

PAE

Surfactants studied had HLB of 13. Testing was

conducted at 25C, 0.1 wt % aqeuous solution

Figure 7 Hard Surface Cleaning

25
15-S
NPE
PAE

% Detergency*

20

15

10

10

12

14
HLB

16

18

*Oily/particulate soil on vinyl floor tile

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(Dow) or an affiliated company of Dow

99

Applications
Cleaning Products
High

Performance Cleaners and Detergents

Hard

Surface Cleaners

Solid

Cleaners

Hydrocarbon Dry

and Water-based Prespotters

Cleaning

Emulsion

Cleaners

Emulsion Polymerization
Paints & Coatings
Other Applications
Oil

Field Chemicals

Textile
Paper

Processing

Processing

Agrochemicals
Metalworking

Fluids

Defoamers

TERGITOL 15-S Series Selection Guide

TERGITOL

15-S-3

15-S-5

15-S-7

15-S-9

15-S-12

15-S-15

15-S-20

15-S-30

15-S-40

Cleaning Products
Hard Surface Cleaners
Prewash Spotters

Solid Cleaners
Dry Cleaning

Emulsion Cleaners

High Performance
Cleaners & Detergents

Emulsion Polymerization
Paints & Coatings
Paper & Textile
Processing
Agrochemicals
Oil Field Chemicals
Defoamers
Metalworking Fluids

10

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TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants

To Learn More
To learn more about TERGITOL 15-S Surfactants and
the full line of anionic and nonionic surfactants from
Dowor to receive product samplescontact the
Dow location for your region, listed below.

The Dow Chemical Company

Midland, Michigan 48674 U.S.A.
In the United States, Canada, Mexico: call 1-800-447-4369 fax 989-832-1465
In Europe: call toll-free +800-3-694-6367 call (+32) 3-450-2240 fax +32 3-450-2815
In the Pacific: call +800 7776-7776 call (+60) 3-7958-3392 fax +800 7779-7779 fax (+60) 3-7958-5598
Latin America: call (+55) 11-5188-9222 fax (+55) 11-5188-9749

Or visit us at www.dowsurfactants.com
NOTICE: No freedom from any patent owned by Seller or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location
to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate
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Published July 2006

Printed in U.S.A.

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Form No. 119-02204-0706 AMS