Petroleum Sulphonates
Petroleum sulphonates are a family of chemicals derived from petroleum hydrocarbons and sulphur that are used in industrial, commercial and residential applications. These chemicals are used to create detergents, lubricants and other products and are often used as agents to break down the compounds in oil and other hydrocarbons.
Petroleum sulphonates are typically composed of two or more sulphur-containing groups (often referred to as “sulphonic acids”) connected to a petroleum hydrocarbon chain. The sulphur-containing groups in petroleum sulphonates are important in forming the emulsifying agents used in detergent and lubricant formulations. Emulsifiers help to increase surfactant efficacy and stability within a formulation while also providing lubricity.
Many petroleum sulphonates are based on highly flammable hydrocarbons, including naphtha and paraffin, so these chemicals must be handled and stored properly to avoid risks. The most common petroleum sulphonates include dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium petroleum sulphonate, calcium petroleum sulphonate, and sulphurised petrolatum.
The dodecylbenzene sulphonate is a highly effective anionic detergent that is produced from mixed alkylbenzene sulphonates obtained from petroleum naphtha and/or petroleum heavy paraffinic fractions. This type of petroleum sulphonate is used primarily in detergents, like laundry detergents and powdered detergents, but it can also be used in various industrial applications.
Sodium petroleum sulphonates are very mild surfactants obtained from petroleum heavy paraffinic fractions. Given their mildness and compatibility with other materials, they are ideal for creating personal care products, such as products for oral hygiene, face wash, and shampoo. They are also used in some industrial applications, such as cleaning agents, wetting agents, dissolution enhancers, and rust preventatives.
Calcium petroleum sulphonates are highly alkaline byproducts of petroleum refining. They are used as components in a variety of industrial applications, such as metal cleaning, metal degreasing, lubricating oils and cutting oils. Sulphurised petrolatum, also called sulphurized petrolatum, is a petroleum product that is used as a fuel additive, emulsifier and processing aid.
Petroleum sulphonates are widely used in numerous manufacturing processes and products in the United States and around the world. Because they are derived from petroleum, they are subject to the same regulations and specifications that govern the use of petroleum. Many companies, particularly those in the detergent and automotive industries, are paying increased attention to the safety and environmental impact of petroleum sulphonates and are focusing on sourcing raw materials from reliable suppliers.
