Surfȳnol ® 104 Surfactant

Introduction Performance Benefits

Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is one in a series of Surface Tension
Air Products’ surfactants that provide a unique
combination of performance benefits including Surface tension reduction is an important
wetting, defoaming and improving pigment dis- property of any surfactant because it allows the
persions. Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is a nonionic wetting of substrates whose surface energy is
molecule containing a hydrophilic portion in the less than the surface tension of water. Table 1
middle of two symmetrical hydrophobic groups. demonstrates the ability of Surfȳnol 104 surfac-
Its unique chemical structure allows this product tant to effectively lower the surface tension of
to provide multifunctional properties such as sur- water under static conditions using a duNouy
face tension reduction, foam control and vis- tensiometer.
cosity stabilization. The hydrophobic nature of While steady state reduction in surface ten-
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant results in reduced water sion can give the formulator a quick gauge of
sensitivity compared to either conventional eth- a surfactant’s effectiveness, many industrial ap-
oxylated or anionic surfactants. Due to its mul- plications never reach equilibrium. Therefore, it
tifunctional properties, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is important in processes where surfaces are
provides performance benefits in many water- generated at a rapid rate (printing, spray and roll
borne applications such as coatings, paints, coating, metalworking, etc.) that the surfactant
adhesives, inks, pigment manufacture and migrate rapidly to the interface to prevent film
dispersion, cements, metalworking lubricants, retraction and other surface defects. As shown in
agricultural chemicals and dye processing. Table 2, the ability of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant to

Table 1

Surfȳnol 104 Surfactant—Equilibrium Surface Tension

Concentration (%) Surface Tension (dynes/cm)

.01 51.1
.05 37.7

.1 33.1

Table 2

Dynamic Surface Tension Profile1

Surface Tension (dynes/cm)

Relative Rate of
Surface Formation Surfȳnol 104 Triton X-1002
(bubbles/sec) (0.1%) (0.1%)

1 (equilibrium) 33.1 33.4

3 34.1 35.4

6 (dynamic) 36.4 42.2

1
Testing performed on a Sensadyne 5000 tensiometer (Chemdyne).
2
Union Carbide
lower surface tension under conditions of rapid
Surfȳnol 104 Surfactant (2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol)
surface formation (represented by increasing the
bubble rate) is due to its unique ability to mi-
grate quickly to newly formed interfaces. As CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3
a result, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant’s performance
under dynamic conditions significantly surpasses CH3 CH CH2 C C C C CH2 CH CH3
that of conventional surfactants such as octyl
phenol ethoxylate. OH OH
Wetting
Water-based systems such as coatings, ad-
hesives, inks, etc., have a higher surface providing the necessary wetting under dynamic Defoaming
tension than those which are solvent based. conditions, while controlling or eliminating foam.
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is best described as
Consequently, surfactants are required to The minimum surface tension that can be
a defoaming, nonionic surfactant. The defoaming
achieve good wetting. However, the addition of achieved using Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is limited
nature of this surfactant is not closely related
most wetting agents causes foam, and the sub- by its solubility. If lower surface tensions are
to temperature. Typical low-foaming nonionics
sequent addition of a defoamer can lead to required, Surfȳnol surfactants with greater water
foam less at temperatures above their cloud
the recurrence of the original wetting problems. solubility—such as Surfȳnol SE, TG and the 400
points because they become insoluble. Surfȳnol
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant prevents this problem by series—should be utilized.

Table 3

Typical Properties

Surfȳnol Physical Liquid Specific Gravity1 Lb/Gal Melt Viscosity2

Surfactant Form Composition (@ 25°C) (Approx) Point (cps)

Surfȳnol 104A Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.865 7.2 <0°C 100 @ 20oC
2-ethylhexanol (32°F)

Surfȳnol 104BC Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.898 7.6 <–40°C 100 @ 20oC
2-butoxy ethanol (–40°F)

Surfȳnol 104DPM Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.928 7.8 –5°C 100 @ 20oC
dipropylene glycol (23°F)
monomethyl ether

Surfȳnol 104E Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.999 8.3 <0°C 100 @ 20oC
ethylene glycol (32°F)

Surfȳnol 104H Light Yellow Liquid 75% wt 104 in 0.946 7.9 10°C 150 @ 35oC
ethylene glycol (50°F)

Surfȳnol 104NP Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.856 7.1 –20°C 100 @ 20oC
n-propyl alcohol (–4°F)

Surfȳnol 104PA Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.839 7.0 <–40°C 100 @ 20oC
isopropyl alcohol (–40°F)

Surfȳnol 104PG-50 Light Yellow Liquid 50% wt 104 in 0.971 8.1 –16°C 200 @ 20oC
propylene glycol (4°F)

Surfȳnol 104S Free-Flowing Powder 46% wt 104 on 0.457 3.9 — —

amorphous silica
1
Specific Gravity of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant measured with a pycnometer.
2
Viscosity measured with Brookfield viscometer, #1 spindle at 30 rpm’s.
104 surfactant does not have a cloud point; ducing agents or with high levels of caustic eling properties are also improved, without ad-
therefore, it defoams over a very broad tempera- (pH>12) such as sodium hydroxide or potassium ditional generation of foam.
ture range. hydroxide. For more information see Air Products’ bro-
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant can be used in com- chures entitled “The Benefits of Surfȳnol®
bination with conventional defoamers. If used in Solubility Surfactants in Waterborne Industrial
this manner, the conventional defoamer concen- Maintenance Coatings” (120-9755) and “The
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is soluble in all com-
tration can often be reduced to a level where Benefits of Surfȳnol Surfactants in Waterborne
mon solvents except highly aliphatic products
it causes fewer side effects such as fisheyes Thermoplastic Industrial Maintenance Primers”
like kerosenes or oils.
and pinholes. In addition, Surfȳnol 104 is very (120-9532)
effective against microfoam.
Printing Inks
Water Sensitivity Applications and Benefits
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is employed for its
Coatings
Many surfactants that effectively reduce sur- multifunctional benefits in water-based flexo-
face tension cause water sensitivity problems Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is employed in coat- graphic and gravure printing inks. The product
in dried coatings, inks, adhesives, etc. Highly ings to solve a variety of formulating problems aids in penetration of the ink into absorbent
hydrophilic surfactants such as anionic (sodium including foam and coverage over difficult-to- stocks, such as paper, and also improves cover-
dioctyl sulfosuccinate) or heavily ethoxylated (al- wet surfaces. Due to its ability to reduce surface age over polymeric films, such as polyethylene.
kyl phenol ethoxylates) surfactants readily re- tension under dynamic conditions, Surfȳnol 104 In addition, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant’s defoaming
solubilize in water, causing surface defects in surfactant is incorporated into spray, dip and coil capabilities eliminate troublesome foam which
the dried product. This resolubilization can pro- coatings to enhance wetting of oily or improperly causes many problems in printing inks. Surfȳnol
mote loss of adhesion, hazing, spotting and other cleaned substrates. Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is 104 surfactant can be incorporated into the grind
problems. Due to its more hydrophobic nature, also used to aid in the proper coverage of water- or letdown, depending on the surfactant function
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant does not adversely affect based coatings over low surface tension sub- desired.
the water sensitivity of formulations. strates like plastics. And, as a result of its unique For more information see Air Products’ bro-
structure, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant will reduce chure entitled “Surfȳnol Surfactants: Applications
Physical Properties water sensitivity problems associated with most in Water-Based Printing Inks” (120-9319)
surfactants.
As shown in Table 3, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant
Unlike conventional surfactants that typically Factory Applied Wood Coatings
is available in liquid forms for ease of handling,
or as a free-flowing powder on a solid support. cause foam in waterborne coatings, Surfȳnol
The use of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant in wa-
104 surfactant has foam control capabilities.
terborne wood coatings gives formulators a so-
Freezing Point Consequently, traditional defoamers can some-
lution to typical problems encountered when
times be removed or reduced when Surfȳnol 104
spraying coatings. Problems such as loss of
Liquid versions of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant surfactant is employed in the coating formula-
gloss due to microfoam, poor flow and leveling,
may tend to crystallize at low temperatures. tion. The chemical nature of Surfȳnol 104 sur-
adhesion and water sensitivity can be reduced
Surfȳnol 104H surfactant is particularly prone factant ensures coating formulators that this
or eliminated with incorporation of Surfȳnol 104
to crystallization in cold weather. If the product surfactant will not lead to the many problems
surfactant.
has crystallized in the solvent, recovery to the associated with foam. However, if additional
clear solution form is a function of time and foam control agents are necessary, Surfȳnol 104 For more information see Air Products’
temperature. surfactant can be used with a wide variety of brochures entitled “Surfȳnol® Surfactants:
conventional defoamers. Multifunctional Problem Solvers in Waterborne
See “How to Formulate with Surfȳnol 104
Wood Coatings” (120-9756)
Surfactant” (120-9829) for further information In coatings, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant can be
included in the grind or letdown, depending on
DIY Wood Finishes
Cloud Point the function required of the surfactant.
For more information see Air Products’ The performance of waterborne Do-It-
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant does not have a
technical article entitled “The Importance of Yourself (DIY) wood finishes is enhanced when
cloud point. Also, although it is a diol, its water
Low Dynamic Surface Tension in Waterborne Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is used in stain, sealer or
solubility is not increased appreciably by higher
Coatings” (120-9303) topcoat formulations. Primary benefits obtained
temperatures.
include color uniformity in stains, early stain lap-
Industrial Maintenance Coatings ping resistance and consistent wetting, flow and
Stability leveling on various types of wood.
The incorporation of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant alone and in most For more information see Air Products’
into the letdown or grind stage of spray-applied
applications has high thermal stability. It should brochures entitled “Surfȳnol® Surfactants:
waterborne industrial maintenance coatings aids
not be compounded with strong oxidizing or re-
in the reduction of external and internal micro-
foam, resulting in improved gloss. Flow and lev-
Multifunctional Problem Solvers in Waterborne When used in paper coating and sizing ap- the metal surface as well as the bulk lubricant,
Do-It-Yourself Wood Finishes” (120-9831) plications, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant effectively de- resulting in improved workpiece and metal part
foams while improving flow characteristics, thus cooling.
Overprint Varnishes eliminating pinholes, fisheyes and other surface Once the metalworking process is completed,
defects. Water sensitivity of the finished product it is important to remove residual surfactant
In overprint varnish systems, Surfȳnol 104 is also minimized by a reduced rate of water from the part to prevent contamination in down-
surfactant provides wetting so that proper cov- absorption into the coating. stream processes such as painting or coating.
erage of an aqueous overprint varnish can be
While the majority of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant
achieved over wet, solvent-based lithographic Agricultural Chemicals will be removed using traditional methods, the
ink. In addition, troublesome foam can be re-
product’s volatile nature assures that any re-
duced when Surfȳnol 104 is used as the wetting As an additive in both wettable powder and
sidual surfactant will evaporate upon heating.
agent. And, because this product’s unique struc- flowable pesticide systems, Surfȳnol 104 surfac-
ture is hydrophobic in nature, water sensitivity tant improves wetting, controls foam and en- For more information see Air Products’
problems are reduced when compared to con- hances leaf and soil penetration. In flowable brochure entitled “Surfȳnol® Surfactants and
ventional anionic or ethoxylated nonionic surfac- systems, the wetting benefits of Surfȳnol 104 Ancor® Corrosion Inhibitors in Water-Based
tants. surfactant are evident not only in formulating, Metalworking Fluids” (120-641)
but also upon dilution, where bloom and disper-
Fountain Solutions sion stability are enhanced. Cements, Mortars and Grouts

Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is used in litho- Surfȳnol 104 surfactant, as well as several
Dye Processing
graphic fountain solutions for the dynamic wet- other Surfȳnol surfactants, is used in water-
ting of aluminum printing plates without causing Surfȳnol 104E surfactant is widely used to based cement formulations for construction and
excess emulsification of the ink. At the same control the foam caused by gas generated during oil well applications. These products are effec-
time, Surfȳnol 104 surfactant controls foam the production of azo dyes. It also effectively tive deairentraining agents for both ready-mix
caused by formula components and high shear defoams mechanically generated foam produced and precast construction cements where they
conditions. during the spray drying, mixing and filtering of control or eliminate entrained air and improve
any type of dye. An added benefit is the ability of compression strength. In oil well cements,
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives this product to reduce static charge during spray Surfȳnol surfactants effectively deairentrain
drying. without affecting fluid loss or rheological proper-
The low surface tensions presented by sil- ties.
When added during dispersion, especially
icone and plastic film release liners require
in the presence of lignosulfonate dispersants,
strong wetting agents in order to achieve proper Additional Applications
Surfȳnol 104 surfactant controls foam while im-
coverage by the adhesive. Surfȳnol 104 surfac-
parting improved wetting properties leading to The preceding applications are only a sample
tant’s ability to provide good wetting under dy-
more stable dispersions at reduced viscosities. of the many different existing and potential end
namic conditions ensures consistent substrate
Additionally, higher solids are possible due to uses for Surfȳnol surfactants. Other end uses
coverage while reducing foam problems.
these reduced viscosities, promoting savings in include industrial and household cleaners, car-
Many commonly used wetting agents provide the time and energy needed for filtering and pet backing adhesives, foundry core coatings,
the required coverage, but also produce foam. spray drying. textiles, emulsion polymerization and chemical
In addition, these same wetting agents remain
For more information see Air Products’ processing, to name just a few. If you have ques-
water sensitive in the dried adhesive, causing a
brochure entitled “Surfȳnol® Surfactant tions about a specific end use, please call 1-800-
loss of bond strength. Surfȳnol 104 surfactant
Applications in Dye Manufacture” (120-315) 345-3148 or 610-481-6799 to receive technical
does not adversely affect the water sensitivity of
information and/or free samples of Surfȳnol sur-
the adhesive.
Metalworking Fluids factants.
For more information see Air Products’
brochure entitled “Surfȳnol® Surfactants for Lubrication in metalworking is aided by
Pressure Sensitive and Laminating Adhesives” Surfȳnol 104 surfactant’s affinity for metal sur-
(120-9846) faces and its ability to rapidly migrate to newly
formed surfaces. And, unlike many foam gener-
Paper Coatings ating surfactants, it acts to displace air from
How to Formulate with Surfȳnol Summary
104 Surfactant When used in your formulations, Surfȳnol 104
1 When blending, maintain adequate agitation surfactant offers the following features and ap-
and allow sufficient mix times of 15 to 30 plication benefits.
minutes. If high viscosity is preventing ad-
equate mixing, heating the mixture will reduce
the viscosity.
Features
2 Add Surfȳnol 104 surfactant after other sur-
factants and polymers have been added.* This Quick migration, leading to low dynamic surface tension
will allow the maximum rate of dissolution or
dispersibility of Surfȳnol 104 surfactant into Low static (equilibrium) surface tension
the system.
Defoaming/deairentraining/nonfoaming nature
3 If pigments, fillers or other solids are being
incorporated, add them after the Surfȳnol 104 Ability to wet contaminated substrates
surfactant. This will allow the Surfȳnol 104 Ability to reduce pigment particle size and prevent re-agglomeration
surfactant to wet the solids and control any
foam produced during addition. Non-micelle forming
4 Surfȳnol 104 surfactant is a multifunctional Thermal stability over a broad temperature range
product which may replace one or more
formulation additives. Consequently, a ladder Chemical stability from pH ~ 3 to pH ~ 12
study should be conducted to determine opti-
mum use levels.
5 When shipped or stored in extremely cold Application Benefits
temperatures, several Surfȳnol 104 surfactant
liquid blends can freeze or partially crystallize. Prevents surface defect problems such as fisheyes, crawling and cratering
Warming above the melt point using mild agi-
tation will provide a liquid product. on low-energy substrates

Prevents surface defect problems on contaminated or poorly prepared

*If the formulation viscosity increases, add Surfȳnol
104 surfactant earlier in the formulation. substrates

Reduces microfoam in spray-applied systems

Toxicity Data Improves pigment grind efficiency

Surfȳnol 104 surfactant has a low degree
Reduces water sensitivity
of toxicity and has several FDA and EPA clear-
ances. For specific safety and handling informa- Defoams and deairentrains coatings, inks, cements, mortars, grouts and dyes
tion, please see the MSDS on Surfȳnol 104 sur-
Defoams and improves flow of coatings, inks, adhesives, paper coatings and sizings
factant.
Enhances leaf and soil penetration while improving bloom and stability in agricultural chemical
formulations

Lubricates, wets and prevents smut formation while eliminating hot spots in metalworking fluids
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