Sorbitan Tri Oleate (STO)

Overview

Sorbitan Tri Oleate (STO) is a highly versatile and crucial lipophilic non-ionic surfactant, widely recognized for its exceptional emulsifying and dispersing properties. Chemically, it is an ester formed from sorbitan (a derivative of sorbitol) and three molecules of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid found in natural fats and oils. This chemical structure gives STO its distinct characteristics, particularly its high affinity for oil phases and its ability to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.

With a low Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value typically ranging from 1.8 to 2.5, Sorbitan Tri Oleate excels as a W/O emulsifier, effectively blending immiscible phases and creating stable formulations. Its robust performance makes it an indispensable component across a multitude of industrial applications, where it functions not only as an emulsifier but also as a co-emulsifier, dispersant, solubilizer, and lubricant. As a non-ionic compound, STO offers excellent compatibility with a broad spectrum of other surfactants and active ingredients, providing formulators with flexibility and reliability in product development.

Our premium-grade Sorbitan Tri Oleate is manufactured to stringent quality standards, ensuring consistent performance and purity for your most demanding applications. It is characterized by its clear, amber liquid appearance and low odor, making it a preferred choice where sensory properties are critical.

Key Properties

Sorbitan Tri Oleate possesses a unique set of properties that underpin its wide-ranging utility:

• Exceptional W/O Emulsifier: Its primary function is to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, preventing phase separation and ensuring product homogeneity.
• Highly Lipophilic: Excellent solubility in a variety of oils, fats, and organic solvents, enhancing its emulsifying and dispersing capabilities within oil-based systems.
• Low HLB Value: With an HLB typically between 1.8 and 2.5, STO is perfectly suited for creating stable inverse emulsions and for use as a co-emulsifier with higher HLB surfactants.
• Thermal Stability: Exhibits good stability across a range of temperatures, contributing to the robustness and shelf-life of finished products.
• Non-ionic Nature: Compatible with a wide array of other ionic and non-ionic ingredients, offering formulation versatility without concerns of incompatibility.
• Effective Dispersant: Aids in uniformly dispersing insoluble solids in liquid media, crucial for pigment dispersion in paints or active ingredient distribution in agrochemicals.
• Lubricating Properties: Can impart lubricating effects in various formulations, beneficial in metalworking fluids and polymer processing.
• Low Volatility: Contributes to product stability and reduces loss during processing or storage.

Applications

Sorbitan Tri Oleate (STO) finds extensive application across diverse industrial sectors due to its multifaceted properties:

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in the formulation of rich creams, lotions, ointments, sunscreens, and make-up. It acts as a primary or co-emulsifier for W/O emulsions, providing excellent skin feel, stability, and water resistance.
• Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids: An essential component in cutting oils, hydraulic fluids, rolling oils, and corrosion inhibitors. It helps emulsify oils in water-based systems and enhances lubrication performance.
• Textile Industry: Utilized as a softener, lubricant, and processing aid in textile manufacturing, improving fabric feel and aiding in dyeing and finishing processes.
• Paints & Coatings: Functions as a pigment dispersant and emulsion stabilizer, ensuring uniform color distribution and preventing sedimentation in solvent-based and emulsion paints.
• Agrochemicals: Critical for formulating emulsifiable concentrates (ECs), suspension concentrates (SCs), and oil dispersants. It ensures the stable emulsification of active ingredients in water for effective spray application.
• Polymer & Plastics Industry: Acts as an internal and external lubricant, anti-static agent, and processing aid in the manufacture of various plastics and rubbers, improving mold release and surface finish.
• Food Industry (Specific Grades): In highly specific applications and with appropriate food-grade certifications, STO can serve as an emulsifier in certain fat-based systems, though its primary use for an industrial supplier is typically outside direct food ingredients.

Why Choose CanCastor

When you partner with CanCastor for your Sorbitan Tri Oleate (STO) needs, you gain access to a world-class supplier committed to excellence and customer satisfaction:

• Uncompromising Quality: We supply premium-grade STO manufactured under rigorous quality control standards, ensuring high purity, consistent performance, and reliability in every batch.
• Global Supply Chain Reliability: With a robust and efficient global logistics network, CanCastor guarantees timely and secure delivery of your orders, regardless of your location.
• Expert Technical Support: Our team of experienced technical specialists is available to provide in-depth product knowledge, formulation guidance, and troubleshooting support, helping you optimize your applications.
• Sustainable Sourcing & Practices: CanCastor is dedicated to responsible and sustainable sourcing, ensuring our products meet both your performance requirements and your environmental commitments.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We believe in building lasting relationships. Our dedicated customer service team provides responsive and personalized support, ensuring your specific needs are met with efficiency and professionalism.
• Competitive Advantage: Leveraging our scale and expertise, we offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on the superior quality and service you deserve.

Choose CanCastor as your trusted partner for high-quality Sorbitan Tri Oleate and experience the difference that commitment, quality, and expertise can make to your business.