High-Performance Castor Oil Ethoxylate (EL Emulsifier) Manufacturer
Leading supplier of EL & HEL series emulsifiers. Providing exceptional dispersing, wetting, and antistatic properties for global industrial formulations.
One Series Covering Almost the Entire HLB Range
EL is produced by reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide. Because the degree of ethoxylation can be varied widely, a single chemistry spans HLB 6 to 16.5 — from oil-compatible dispersants through to fully water-soluble O/W emulsifiers.
That breadth is why EL turns up across so many industries: one supplier, one chemistry, and a grade for nearly any required HLB. Cloud point moves with EO content too, giving a second selection lever alongside HLB.
- CAS Number61791-12-6
- Chemical NamePolyoxyethylene castor oil ether
- CompositionEthoxylated castor oil
- Ionic TypeNonionic
- HLB Range6 – 16.5
- GradesEL-10, 12, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80
EL Series Technical Specifications
| Grade | Appearance (25°C) | Saponification Value (mgKOH/g) | Cloud Point (°C, 1% aq.) | Moisture (%) | pH (1% aq.) | HLB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL-10 | Light yellow transparent oil | 110–130 | — | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 6–7 |
| EL-12 | Light yellow transparent oil | 110–120 | — | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 6.5–7.5 |
| EL-20 | Light yellow transparent oil | 90–100 | ≤ 30 | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 9–10 |
| EL-30 | Light yellow viscous oil | 70–80 | ≥ 45 | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 11.5–12.5 |
| EL-40 | Light yellow viscous oil | 57–67 | 70–84 | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 13–14 |
| EL-60 | Light yellow waxy solid | — | 85–90 | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 14–15.5 |
| EL-80 | Light yellow ointment-like solid | 30–40 | 70–80* | ≤ 1.0 | 5.0–7.0 | 15.5–16.5 |
*Cloud point measured under standard conditions. Intermediate ethoxylation degrees available on request.
Where Each Grade Group Belongs
EL-10 / 12 / 20
Emulsification and dispersion in textile auxiliaries and industrial systems, where lower HLB and oil compatibility are needed.
EL-30 / 40
Agrochemical formulations, coatings and general emulsification. EL-40 (HLB 13–14) is the workhorse nonionic in many pesticide emulsifier systems.
EL-60 / 80
O/W emulsification, cosmetics and industrial applications requiring high HLB and full water solubility.
Textile & leather
Used as a dispersing and levelling aid alongside AEO grades in dyeing and finishing systems.
Selection & Handling Notes
⚠ HLB and cloud point move together
More EO raises both HLB and cloud point. When selecting, check both against your system — a grade with the right HLB may still be out of solution at your process temperature.
⚠ EC systems usually need an anionic partner
In pesticide emulsifiable concentrates the nonionic EL is normally paired with an anionic co-emulsifier to achieve spontaneous emulsification.
⚠ Solid grades need melting in
EL-60 and EL-80 are waxy or ointment-like. Melt and disperse before emulsification rather than adding directly.
⚠ Validate in hard water
Emulsion stability is graded in standard hard water. Test at your actual dilution water hardness before scale-up.
Packaging, Storage & Shipping
Packaging: 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBC tanks and bulk. Solid grades supplied in drums or bags with inner liner.
Storage: Cool, dry and well-ventilated conditions with containers kept closed. Shelf life 2 years from date of manufacture.
Shipping: FOB, CIF and CFR as FCL or LCL via Shanghai Port, with TDS, MSDS and COA supplied for customs clearance and REACH filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ethoxylated castor oil (EL series)?
It is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide (CAS 61791-12-6). Grades EL-10 to EL-80 span HLB 6 to 16.5, giving a very wide emulsification range from one chemistry.
What is the EL series used for?
Textile auxiliaries and dispersion (EL-10/12/20), agrochemical formulations and coatings (EL-30/40), and O/W emulsification and cosmetics (EL-60/80).
Which EL grade suits pesticide EC emulsifiers?
EL-40 (HLB 13–14) is a common nonionic component of EC emulsifier systems, typically paired with an anionic co-emulsifier. For a formulation-matched recommendation see our agro-emulsifier range.
What HLB range does the EL series cover?
From about 6 (EL-10) to 16.5 (EL-80), so a grade can be matched to most oil phases and formulation types without changing supplier or chemistry.
How does cloud point vary across the series?
Cloud point rises with EO content, from below 30°C at EL-20 up to 85–90°C at EL-60. Our laboratory can measure cloud point in your actual formulation.
Can you supply intermediate ethoxylation degrees?
Yes. As an ethoxylation plant we can synthesise degrees between the standard grades to hit a specific HLB or cloud point target.
Need an EL Grade Matched to Your Required HLB?
Send us your oil phase, process temperature and formulation type — we will recommend the grade, supply TDS and COA, and arrange 200–500 g samples.