What Is Tween 85 and How Does It Function as a Nonionic Surfactant in Industry?

Technical Introduction

Tween 85, also known as Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Trioleate, is a nonionic surfactant belonging to the polysorbate family.
It is produced by the ethoxylation of sorbitan trioleate, resulting in a molecule with both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains and lipophilic oleate tails.
This dual nature allows Tween 85 to effectively reduce surface tension between immiscible phases, stabilizing emulsions in aqueous and oil-based systems.
It appears as a amber to yellow viscous liquid, soluble in water, ethanol, and organic solvents, with an HLB (Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance) value of around 11.

Applications

1. Food Industry

• Used as an emulsifier in sauces, dressings, and flavor emulsions.

• Helps disperse oil-soluble colors and flavors in water-based products.

2. Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Formulations

• Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for creams, lotions, and ointments.

• Improves solubility of active ingredients in oral and topical drug delivery.

3. Industrial Uses

• Employed in emulsion polymerization to produce stable latex products.

• Used as a wetting agent in textile processing.

4. Agrochemical Formulations

• Improves dispersibility of pesticides and herbicides in water.

Advantages

• Nonionic Nature: Stable over a wide pH range and resistant to electrolytes.

• Excellent Emulsifying Power: Creates long-lasting, stable emulsions.

• Biodegradable: Meets environmental safety requirements in many regions.

• Low Toxicity: Suitable for food and personal care products.

Typical Parameters

FAQs

Q1: Is Tween 85 safe for food applications?
A1: Yes, when used within regulatory limits; it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Q2: What is the difference between Tween 80 and Tween 85?
A2: Both are polysorbates, but Tween 80 is based on sorbitan monooleate, while Tween 85 is based on sorbitan trioleate, giving it a more lipophilic nature.

Q3: Can it be used in pharmaceuticals?
A3: Yes, it is widely used to solubilize and emulsify hydrophobic drugs.

Q4: Does it work in acidic formulations?
A4: Yes, its nonionic structure ensures stability across acidic and basic pH ranges.

Q5: Is Tween 85 biodegradable?
A5: Yes, it meets biodegradability requirements under OECD guidelines.