Vanconol® PH-46 Surfactant

Vanconol® PH-46 Surfactant

1. Abstract

Vanconol® PH-46 is a polyether-type nonionic surfactant specifically designed for waterborne systems sensitive to ionic residue and wetting speed. Its 10% aqueous solution has a conductivity as low as 12.78 μS/cm, indicating extremely low ionic residue, helping minimize contamination of precision systems by metal ions and catalyst residues. The 0.3% aqueous solution achieves a static surface tension of 28.5 mN/m at 1 bubble/s, delivering excellent wetting and penetration performance. The 1% aqueous solution has a pH of 7.51, near neutral, ensuring good system compatibility. It is suitable for precision cleaning of electronic/optical components, wetting components in photovoltaic silicon wafer cutting fluids, metalworking fluids, and other applications requiring high purity and rapid wetting, making it a suitable option for improving the consistency and cleanliness of precision systems.

2. Core Product Information

Product Basic Parameters

Item	Specification
Product Model	Vanconol® PH-46
Chemical Type	Polyether-type nonionic surfactant
Appearance (25℃)	Clear liquid, colorless to light yellow
Cloud Point (5% aqueous solution)	37.2℃
Water Solubility	0.3%~5% aqueous solution appears milky white (partially soluble at room temperature)

Key Performance Indicators

Performance Description	PH-46
Static surface tension (0.3% aqueous solution, 1 bubble/s)	28.5 mN/m
Dynamic surface tension (0.3% aqueous solution, 6 bubbles/s)	33.7 mN/m
Foam performance (1% aqueous solution)	Initial foam 35 mL, reduced to 7 mL after 5 min
Conductivity (10% aqueous solution)	12.78 μS/cm
pH (1% aqueous solution)	7.51

Main Features and Advantages

Extremely low ionic residue: The conductivity of the 10% aqueous solution is only 12.78 μS/cm, significantly lower than conventional polyether-type products, helping prevent contamination of precision systems by metal ions/catalyst residues.

Efficient wetting and penetration: The 0.3% aqueous solution achieves a static surface tension of 28.5 mN/m at 1 bubble/s, rapidly reducing liquid-solid interfacial tension and enhancing spreading and penetration of the liquid onto substrates.

Mild and neutral: The pH of the 1% aqueous solution is 7.51, near neutral, which is compatible with substrates and system components, offering a broad formulation compatibility window.

Rapid foam decay: Initial foam is 35 mL, dropping to 7 mL within 5 minutes (approximately 80% reduction), leaving minimal residual foam after processing, which facilitates rinsing and downstream treatment.

3. Application Guide

3.1 Recommended Application Areas

Precision cleaning of electronic/optical components: Used as a wetting and penetration component to reduce the surface tension of cleaning solutions, while the extremely low ionic residue helps avoid device failure or optical film contamination caused by metal ions.

Photovoltaic silicon wafer cutting fluids: Used as a wetting component to improve the wettability of hard brittle materials such as silicon wafers and reduce foam interference during cutting (subject to compatibility testing with the main cutting fluid system).

Metalworking fluids: Used as a wetting/penetration additive to enhance the coverage of cutting and grinding fluids on metal surfaces, improving lubrication and chip evacuation.

Precision waterborne inks/coatings: Improves substrate wetting and leveling with low residual foam and low ionic contamination, suitable for coating processes requiring high cleanliness.

Other ion-sensitive waterborne systems: Any formulation sensitive to metal ion residue or requiring neutral pH compatibility can be evaluated for use.

3.2 Usage and Recommended Dosage

Addition sequence: It is recommended to add the product after the main components of the system (e.g., resins, fillers) have been introduced, stirring slowly until uniformly dispersed.

Dilution recommendations: It may be used directly or pre-diluted with water (ratio 1:5 to 1:10); mix thoroughly after dilution.

Dosage range: The typical addition level is 0.1%-1.0% of the total formulation weight. The specific dosage should be determined through dose-response studies based on substrate properties and process speed (e.g., the upper end of the recommended dosage range is suggested for high-speed coating/cleaning scenarios).

Precautions: This product has a relatively low cloud point (37.2℃); it is recommended that the working temperature not exceed 35℃. Avoid direct mixing with strong oxidizing agents, and verify system compatibility after addition.

4. Safety and Storage

Safety instructions: Wear appropriate protective equipment (such as safety goggles and gloves) during handling. In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water. If splashed into the eyes, flush immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

Storage conditions: Store sealed in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place, avoiding high temperatures and freezing. Recommended storage temperature range: 5℃-40℃.

Packaging specifications: 25 kg drums, 200 kg drums.

Shelf life: 24 months from the date of manufacture under the specified storage conditions.

5. FAQ

Q1: PH-46 has a cloud point of 37.2℃. Is the use temperature limited?

A1: Yes. This cloud point is defined as the solubility cloud point of the 5% aqueous solution. When the working temperature exceeds approximately 37℃, the solution turns milky white (cloud point effect) and recovers upon cooling; this is a reversible change. It is recommended to keep the working temperature at or below 35℃. For high-temperature scenarios, the higher cloud point grade PH-1008 (cloud point 52.8℃) from the same series may be evaluated.

Q2: What does the conductivity of 12.78 μS/cm mean?

A2: A conductivity of only 12.78 μS/cm in the 10% aqueous solution indicates extremely low levels of ionizable impurities (metal ions, catalyst residues, salts) in the product, making it suitable for electronic-grade, optical-grade, and other systems sensitive to metal ion contamination, and facilitating cleanliness control of the formulation.

Q3: How to choose between PH-46 and RP-50?

A3: Both products fall within the same low surface tension range (0.3% aqueous solution at 1 bubble/s: 28.5-33.4 mN/m). RP-50 has higher initial foam (65 mL), making it suitable for scenarios where some foam is needed to carry away contaminants; PH-46 has lower foam (35 mL), a more neutral pH (7.51), and lower ionic residue (conductivity 12.78 vs 160 μS/cm), making it suitable for high-purity, low-foam precision systems.

Q4: Are there any usage limitations other than temperature sensitivity?

A4: This product has a polyether-type nonionic structure with good chemical stability, and its performance remains essentially stable within the pH 2-12 range. The main limitations are the cloud point (working temperature) and solubility (low HLB, appearing milky white at high concentrations). It is recommended to use it at concentrations below 0.3% or in combination with co-solvents.

6. Contact Us and Documentation

For free samples, detailed Technical Data Sheets (TDS) or Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or any technical questions, please do not hesitate to contact us through the following channels:

Company: Tianjin Hi-Perferal Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.

Address: No.2-1, Zhenghua Road, Caozili, Wuqing District, Tianjin, China

Technical Service Hotline: 022-82910362

Official Website: www.surfychem.com

SDS (Safety Data Sheet) (click to expand — for safety reference; the official document accompanies the shipment)

1. Chemical & Company Identification

Product: Vanconol® PH-46 Surfactant
Company: Tianjin Hi-Perferal Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer: Liaoning Surfychem Co., Ltd.
Technical service: +86-22-82910362

2. Hazard Identification (GHS)

GHS classification: H319
Signal word: Warning
Low-toxicity / mild-irritant industrial additive; no significant environmental or safety impact under normal use.

3. Composition / Ingredients

Main component: blend of polyether / silicone / acetylenic diol nonionic surfactants.

4. First Aid

Skin: wash with soap and water. Eyes: rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: move to fresh air. Ingestion: rinse mouth; seek medical attention if unwell.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable media: water mist, foam, dry powder, CO₂. Most products are non-flammable or combustible liquids; wear self-contained breathing apparatus in a fire.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Wear PPE; collect spillage with sand or inert absorbent; prevent entry into drains and water bodies.

7. Handling & Storage

Store sealed in a cool, ventilated, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Keep sealed after opening; keep away from strong oxidizers and strong acids/bases.

8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Wear protective gloves and goggles; keep ventilated; avoid prolonged skin contact.

9. Physical & Chemical Properties

Milky-white or pale-yellow liquid; water-dispersible.

10. Stability & Reactivity

Stable at normal temperature and pressure. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.

11. Disposal Considerations

Dispose of through licensed facilities per local regulations; do not discharge into drains or water bodies.

12. Transport Information

Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (certain organic solvents follow their UN classification; see the shipping SDS).

13. Regulatory Information

Complies with applicable Chinese chemical management regulations. This SDS is for safety reference; the official document accompanies the shipment or is issued by the supplier.