Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES)
Clear, viscous liquid; anionic surfactant.
It is a surfactant with excellent cleaning and foaming properties that is widely used in various applications, including personal care products, detergents, and industrial cleaners. It is also biodegradable and compatible with a range of other ingredients, making it a popular choice in many formulations.
Energy Sector
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is used in enhanced oil recovery to reduce the surface tension between the oil and water phases, allowing for easier extraction. It is also used as a foaming agent in drilling fluids and as a surfactant in fracking fluids to help transport proppants and reduce friction. SLES can also be used as a wetting agent in coal briquetting and as a cleaning agent for oil and gas equipment.
Water Treatment
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is used in water treatment as a foaming agent and detergent due to its ability to break down and remove oils, dirt, and other impurities from water. It is also used as a wetting agent to improve the wetting and spreading properties of water. Additionally, SLES can be used as a dispersing agent for solids and as a thickening agent for aqueous solutions.
Agriculture
Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is used in agriculture as a wetting agent and emulsifier to improve pesticide and herbicide efficacy. It helps to break the surface tension of water and facilitates even spreading of the chemicals onto the plant surface, thereby enhancing their absorption and effectiveness. SLES is also used in the production of agricultural adjuvants and soil conditioners due to its ability to improve soil penetration and water retention, which can increase crop yields and quality.
CAS No.: 68585-34-2