Fatty Acid Ethoxylate Application

RIMPRO-SEA is generally used as emulsifiers in oil-in-water type creams and lotions. Their hydrophilic or lipophilicity depends on the number of ethylene oxide units present; the larger the number, the greater the hydrophilic properties. RIMPRO -SEA-40 has also been used as an emulsifying agent in intravenous infusions.

RIMPRO -SEA fatty acid ethoxylates are particularly useful as emulsifying agents when astringent salts or other strong electrolytes are present.

They can also be blended with other surfactants to obtain any hydrophilic-lipophilic balance for lotions or ointment formulations.

Where,
D = dispersible I = insoluble
S = soluble DH = dispersible (with heat)

RIMPRO -SEA are generally stable in the presence of electrolytes and weak acids or bases. Strong acids and bases can cause gradual hydrolysis and saponification.

The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container, in a dry place, at room temperature.

Incompatibilities

RIMPRO -SEA Fatty acid ethoxylate is unstable in hot alkaline solutions due to hydrolysis, and will also saponify with strong acids or bases. Discoloration or precipitation can occur with salicylates, phenolic substances, iodine salts and salts of bismuth, silver and tannins. Complex formation with preservatives may also occur.

The antimicorbial activity of some materials such as bacitracin, chloramphenicol, phenoxymethylpenicillin, sodium penicillin and tetracycline may be, reduced in the presence of RIMPRO -SEA Fatty acid ethoxylate concentrations greater than 5% w/w.

Safety

Although RIMPRO -SEA fatty acid ethoxylates are primarily used as emulsifying agents in topical pharmaceutical formulations certain materials, particularly RIMPRO -SEA-40 have also been used intravenous injections and oral preparations.

RIMPRO -SEA fatty acid ethoxylate has been extensively tested for toxicity in animals and is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics. They are generally regarded as essentially nontoxic and nonirritant materials.

Handling Precautions

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled.

RIMPRO -SEA fatty acid ethoxylate that contains greater than 100 ppm of free ethylene oxide may present an explosion hazard when stored in a closed container. This is due to the release of ethylene oxide into the container headspace where it can accumulate, and so exceed the explosion limit.