Premium Span Series Emulsifiers (S-20 to S-85) | Leading Manufacturer
High-purity lipophilic emulsifiers and stabilizers for food, pharma, and cosmetic formulations
Consistent Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters for Bulk Manufacturing
Kemaix Span Series (S-20 to S-85) serves as the fundamental lipophilic emulsifier for large-scale industrial, food, and cosmetic applications. We prioritize batch-to-batch consistency in core specifications, including hydroxyl values and saponification ranges, ensuring your formulations remain stable during high-volume production.
From the heavy-duty emulsification of Span 80 in metalworking fluids to the precise stabilization of Span 60 in food-grade systems, our factory-direct supply provides the chemical reliability and HLB precision required for cost-effective manufacturing without compromising finished product quality.
Span surfactants
Performance & Characteristics
Performance: Span surfactants are synthesized through chemical reactions between fatty acids obtained from the fractionation of vegetable oils and sorbitol. They are safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating.
Depending on the type of fatty acid used, a series of products is obtained. This product range consists of lipophilic nonionic emulsifiers with HLB values ranging from 1.8 to 8.6, which are soluble in polar organic solvents and oils.
Product Features
Chemical Composition: Dehydrated Sorbitol Fatty Acid Esters (Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters)
Molecular Formula: C24H44O6 (Taking Span 80 as an example)
CAS No.: 1338-43-8 (Span 80) / 1338-41-6 (Span 60)
Type: Nonionic Surfactant
Grades Available: S-20, S-40, S-60, S-80, S-85
Custom Grades: Special specifications can be developed and manufactured upon request.
| Product Name | Chemical Name | Appearance | Acid Value (mg KOH/g) |
Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) |
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) |
HLB Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Span 20 | Sorbitan Monolaurate | Viscous liquid | ≤ 7.0 | 155–170 | 330–360 | 8.6 |
| Span 40 | Sorbitan Monopalmitate | Flake solid | ≤ 7.0 | 140–155 | 270–305 | 6.7 |
| Span 60 | Sorbitan Monostearate | Flake solid | ≤ 10.0 | 147–157 | 235–260 | 4.7 |
| Span 65 | Sorbitan Tristearate | Flake solid | ≤ 15.0 | 176–188 | 66–80 | 2.1 |
| Span 80 | Sorbitan Monooleate | Oily liquid | ≤ 8.0 | 145–160 | 193–210 | 4.3 |
| Span 83 | Sorbitan Sesquioleate | Oily liquid | ≤ 14.0 | 143–165 | 182–220 | 3.7 |
| Span 85 | Sorbitan Trioleate | Oily liquid | ≤ 15.0 | 165–180 | 60–80 | 1.8 |
Advanced HLB Optimization with Span & Tween Systems
Achieving the perfect Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) is crucial for stable emulsion formulation. KEMAIX Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters (Span series) are typically used as the oil-soluble component in complex surfactant systems. By blending low-HLB Span surfactants with high-HLB Tween series (Polysorbates), formulators can precisely target the required HLB value for specific oils, ensuring long-term stability in food, cosmetics, and industrial lubricants.
Our factory ensures strict control over the esterification process, providing Span 60 and Span 80 with high batch-to-batch consistency. This reliability is vital for critical applications such as emulsion explosives and pharmaceutical-grade ointments, where minor variations in surfactant purity can significantly impact the final product’s performance.
Performance & Applications
General Properties: Span series are lipophilic, non-ionic surfactants known as excellent W/O (Water-in-Oil) emulsifiers. They are indispensable for creating stable emulsions when used alone or in combination with Tween series to reach specific HLB targets.
● Span 20, 40, & 60: Widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. They improve fat dispersion in bakery products and act as stabilizers in creams and ointments to prevent crystallization.
● Span 60 (Specific): Beyond food, it serves as a high-performance anti-static agent and lubricant in the textile industry for fiber processing.
● Span 80 & 83: Exceptional dispersants for mineral and vegetable oils. Key emulsifiers for emulsion explosives, oil-based drilling fluids, and metalworking lubricants.
● Span 85 (Sorbitan Trioleate):
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in isopropanol, carbon tetrachloride, and cottonseed oil.
- Industrial Use: Primarily serves as a high-efficiency emulsifier, thickener, and corrosion inhibitor in the petroleum, coatings, textiles, and cosmetics industries.
● General Industrial: Also functions as anti-fogging agents for plastic films, opacifiers in various formulations, and solubilizers for fragrance oils.
📦 Packaging
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Span-40 & Span-60 (Solid): Packed in composite woven bags with inner PE liner.
Standard Weight: 25 kg per bag. -
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Span-20, Span-80 & Span-85 (Liquid): Packed in PE drums with double lids.
Options: 25 kg/drum, 200 kg/drum, or 1000 kg/drum (IBC).
🛡️ Storage & Compliance
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Do not store together with hazardous or incompatible substances.
Specification: Products comply with GB 25551-2010 standards.
Shelf Life: 2 years under recommended storage conditions.
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Looking for a reliable partner for bulk Span 60 or Span 80? As a leading manufacturer, we provide consistent quality, competitive volume pricing, and full technical documentation (TDS/COA) to support your large-scale manufacturing needs.
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