Surfactant

Fatty Acid Ethoxylate Applications

RIMPRO-SEA fatty acid ethoxylates are used as emulsifying agents across pharmaceutical, cosmetic and topical formulations.

Overview

RIMPRO-SEA is generally used as an emulsifier in oil-in-water type creams and lotions. Their hydrophilic or lipophilic character 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 required for lotion or ointment formulations.

Typical Use & Concentration

Use	Concentration (%)
Auxiliary emulsifier for o/w intravenous fat emulsion	0.5 - 5
Emulsifier for o/w creams or lotions	0.5 - 10
Ophthalmic ointment	7
Suppository component	1 - 10
Tablet lubricant	1 - 2

Solubility

Name	Solvent Ethanol (95%)	Hydroxyl Value	Iodine Value
RIMPRO-SEA-6	S	S	DH
RIMPRO-SEA-8	S	I	D
RIMPRO-SEA-12	S	I	S
RIMPRO-SEA-20	S	I	S
RIMPRO-SEA-40	S	I	S
RIMPRO-SEA-50	S	I	S

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

Stability & Storage

RIMPRO-SEA is 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 antimicrobial 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 in 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.

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