Emulsifier selection, answered

HLB — hydrophilic-lipophilic balance — is a number from roughly 1 to 20 describing how an emulsifier splits its affinity between water and oil. Low HLB (below about 6) favours water-in-oil emulsions; high HLB (above about 10) favours oil-in-water. Every oil phase has a 'required HLB'. When the emulsifier's HLB matches it, droplets stay dispersed. When it does not, the emulsion creams, coalesces or inverts. Our range covers 4.3 to 15.0 so both ends and the middle are available from one supplier.

A blend of one low-HLB and one high-HLB emulsifier usually outperforms a single grade at the same nominal HLB, because the two molecules pack more densely at the interface. It also lets you dial the blend HLB precisely by changing the ratio. SPAN 80 (4.3) with Tween 80 (15.0) is the classic pair and covers everything in between. Use a single grade when the required HLB happens to sit close to a grade's own value and you want to keep the formulation simple.

SPAN 80 (grade VS-201A, HLB 4.3) is the standard starting point and our highest-volume product for this application. If you want a wider processing window or a specific acid-value profile, the VS-201B / VS-201C compound emulsifier is formulated for emulsion explosive plants — B for higher saponification value, C for low acid value below 3.0 mgKOH/g.

Yes. HLB value, viscosity, acid value and solubility can be modified within the chemistry's limits. Tell us the target and the reason for it — often the underlying problem is solvable a different way, and we would rather propose that than sell a custom grade you do not need.

The number is the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol chain. A longer chain is more hydrophilic, so PEG 600 esters sit higher on HLB than their PEG 400 equivalents: PEG 600 MO at 13–14 against PEG 400 MO at 11–12. Within each family the diester is always lower than the monoester — PEG 400 DO at 7–8 against PEG 400 MO at 11–12 — because the second fatty chain adds lipophilic bulk.

Start from which side of the emulsion you are on. Monoesters carry a free hydroxyl group and more hydrophilic character, so they suit O/W systems and water-soluble applications. Diesters are more lipophilic and serve W/O emulsification, kerosene emulsification and oil-phase solubilisation. If you are between the two, screen both — they are close enough in cost that the lab result should decide.

Standard packaging is 25 kg or 200 kg drums. Custom packaging and tank-truck transport are available on request. The products are non-flammable and non-explosive, so they ship as general non-hazardous goods. Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area.

Yes. Send the oil phase, water phase, target HLB and the problem you are trying to solve, and we will normally propose a lead grade plus a comparison grade so you can screen both against your current emulsifier in the same trial.

The PEG ester grades — PEG 400 MO and PEG 400 DO in particular — are biodegradable. For a specific regulatory claim in your market, ask us before you rely on it; requirements and test methods differ by jurisdiction and we would rather confirm than let you assume.

We supply directly from the factory in Longyan, Fujian, China. Because we manage our own logistics, we can also help consolidate other products you are sourcing from China into the same shipment — a service several of our export customers use.

VistaChems (vistachems.com) is the online platform of Longyan Vista Chemical Co., Ltd., a chemical manufacturing and supply company based in Longyan, Fujian, China. We manufacture nonionic emulsifiers — sorbitan esters, polysorbates and polyethylene glycol esters — and supply precipitated silica, feed additives and coating materials through the wider Vista and Sensil group. We serve formulators in more than 40 countries.

Ten nonionic emulsifier grades spanning HLB 4.3 to 15.0 — Tween 80, SPAN 80 (VS-201A), SPAN 60, the VS-201B/C compound emulsifier for emulsion explosives, and the PEG 400 and PEG 600 mono- and di-ester series. Alongside these: feed-grade precipitated silica (Censil, FAMI-QS certified), coating-grade matting agents (Vistamatt), toothpaste silica (ZC-303), rubber reinforcing silica, sodium formate anti-caking agent, and specialty silica for battery separators.

FAMI-QS certification for feed safety, valid through March 2027. ISO 9001:2015 quality management. REACH registration for EU market access. Kosher and Halal certification where the application requires it. Every shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis, MSDS and Certificate of Origin, and retain samples are held for 24 months per batch.

We are based in Longyan, Fujian, China, and affiliated with Sensil International LLC in California, USA. We serve more than 40 countries across Southeast Asia, India, Turkey, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

Email john@vistachems.com or john@sensilchem.com for sales, or admin@vistachems.com for general enquiries. WhatsApp +1 619 609 3350. Phone +86-597-2626279 or +86-18605971038. Business hours are Monday to Saturday, 09:00–18:00 (UTC+8), and we reply within four business hours.