Sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate (SDNS) is a highly effective anionic surfactant and dispersant, prized for its superior wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. It is widely utilized in large-scale industrial applications, and bulk procurement makes it a cost-effective choice for various sectors.
Chemical and Physical Profile
- Chemical Name: Sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate
- CAS Number: 25417-20-3
- Molecular Formula: C18H23NaO3S
- Molecular Weight: Approximately 342.43 g/mol
- Appearance: Available in bulk as a light brown to off-white powder, granular solid, or dark brown liquid, depending on the production process and intended application
- Purity: Bulk technical grade typically ranges from 70% to 95% active content, with the remainder consisting of minor impurities such as sodium sulfate, unreacted naphthalene derivatives, or water
- Solubility: Readily soluble in water, producing clear solutions at concentrations like 5% at 25°C and 60°C, facilitating easy integration into aqueous systems
- pH: Aqueous solutions generally exhibit a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, though this can vary based on concentration and batch-specific formulation
- Moisture Content: Solid forms typically contain ≤5% moisture; liquid forms may have higher water content to maintain fluidity
- Key Properties:
- Outstanding dispersing, wetting, and emulsifying abilities, making it ideal for stabilizing mixtures
- Stable across a broad range of conditions, including acidic, alkaline, and high-temperature environments
- Highly tolerant to hard water and inorganic electrolytes, with enhanced permeation when small amounts of salts like sodium chloride are present
- Low foaming profile, critical for processes where excessive foam disrupts efficiency
Bulk Applications
SDNS in bulk is tailored for large-scale industrial use, providing an economical solution for high-volume operations across multiple industries:
- Textile and Dyeing:
- Disperses dyes such as disperse, vat, and azo types in water-based systems, ensuring uniform coloration of fabrics
- Improves wetting and grinding of dye particles, enhancing penetration, color consistency, and quality of the final product
- Bulk usage typically ranges from 0.5% to 2% by weight of the dye formulation, depending on the process
- Paints and Coatings:
- Facilitates dispersion of pigments and fillers in water-based paints, emulsions, and coatings
- Enhances stability, flow properties, and application uniformity, resulting in improved finish and durability
- Bulk dosage commonly falls between 0.5% and 3% by weight of the formulation
- Agrochemicals:
- Integral to pesticide and fertilizer formulations, such as wettable powders and suspension concentrates
- Ensures even distribution of active ingredients, improving efficacy, absorption, and crop protection outcomes
- Bulk usage varies from 1% to 5% by weight, tailored to the specific product and application method
- Leather Tanning:
- Assists in the penetration of tanning agents into leather, promoting even treatment and consistent quality
- Widely used in bulk for large-scale tannery operations to streamline processing
- Other Industrial Uses:
- Stabilizes rubber latex emulsions in high-volume rubber production, preventing coagulation
- Disperses carbon black and pigments in applications like plastics, inks, and rubber manufacturing
- Employed in water treatment to aid in particle dispersion, in papermaking for improved processing, and in electroplating as a wetting and dispersing agent
- Used in bulk for household and industrial cleaners, including formulations for glass, bottle, and metal cleaning, as well as floor polishes
Bulk Packaging and Handling
- Packaging:
- Solid Forms: Typically packaged in 20 kg or 25 kg plastic woven bags with thick plastic liners to protect against moisture absorption; larger options like big bags (e.g., 500 kg or 1000 kg) are common for bulk buyers
- Liquid Forms: Shipped in sealed drums (e.g., 200 L or 55-gallon capacity) or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs, often 1000 L) for efficient transport and storage
- Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse to prevent clumping, degradation, or chemical alteration
- Keep away from moisture, strong oxidizers, and extreme heat to maintain product integrity
- Shelf life is generally one year when stored under optimal conditions
- Handling:
- Use protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and masks, to avoid skin, eye, or respiratory irritation from dust or liquid exposure
- Handle in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risks during bulk processing
- Ensure bulk shipments are accompanied by proper labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and certificates of analysis for compliance and safety
- Transport:
- Shipped via sea, air, or land, adhering to international chemical transport regulations (e.g., UN standards, IMDG for maritime shipping)
- Bulk shipments require meticulous documentation, including SDS, to facilitate smooth customs clearance and regulatory compliance
Advantages of Bulk SDNS
- Cost Efficiency: Purchasing in bulk significantly reduces per-unit costs, making it ideal for large-scale industrial operations with high consumption rates
- Versatility: Performs effectively across a wide range of pH levels, temperatures, and water hardness conditions, accommodating diverse industrial needs
- Compatibility: Blends seamlessly with anionic and non-ionic surfactants, offering flexibility in formulating complex mixtures
- Low Foaming: Produces minimal foam, a crucial advantage for high-volume processes like textile dyeing, coating production, or cleaning applications
- Stability: Resists breakdown in harsh chemical and thermal environments, ensuring reliable performance in bulk applications
Considerations for Bulk Supply
- Purity: Bulk technical grade, with 70-95% active content, suits most industrial uses but may not be suitable for applications demanding ultra-high purity, such as pharmaceuticals
- Impurities: Contains residual components like sodium sulfate, water, or unreacted materials, which are generally acceptable for bulk industrial purposes
- Supply Chain:
- Sourced globally from regions with robust chemical manufacturing, with availability influenced by production capacity, regional demand, and logistics
- Bulk supply requires coordination for consistent delivery schedules, especially for high-volume users
- Regulations:
- Must comply with local and international standards (e.g., REACH in Europe, TSCA in the US) for import, use, and handling
- Environmental and safety regulations may necessitate testing, certification, and detailed documentation for bulk shipments
- Disposal:
- Dispose of waste, spillage, or expired product in accordance with local chemical waste regulations to minimize environmental impact
- Proper handling and disposal protocols are critical for large quantities to ensure safety and compliance
Market and Availability
- Demand: Fueled by growth in textiles, agrochemicals, paints, coatings, and sustainable chemical solutions, with bulk use prevalent in industrial regions worldwide
- Market Growth: The global SDNS market was valued at approximately $20 million in 2023, with projections to reach $28.1 million by 2031, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2024 to 2031; broader estimates suggest a value of $300 million in 2022, growing to $450 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.5%
- Supply: Widely available in bulk from chemical producers and distributors, with pricing influenced by factors like raw material costs, purity levels, and order volume
- Trends: Demand for bulk SDNS is boosted by its role in efficient, eco-friendly formulations, aligning with global shifts toward sustainability and advanced industrial processes