Product Name: Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate
CAS Number: 25417-20-3
Primary Applications: Agricultural wetting agent, textile leveling dispersant, industrial detergent additive, and concrete admixture.
1. Product Overview
Sodium Alkyl Naphthalene Sulphonate (SANS) is a highly versatile, medium-to-low foaming anionic surfactant. Created through the sulfonated reaction of naphthalene and higher alcohols, it excels at bridging the gap between water and non-polar substances.
Unlike standard dispersants that simply keep particles apart, SANS is engineered to drastically lower the surface tension of liquids. This provides exceptional wetting, hydrotroping, and penetrating capabilities. It is chemically stable across a wide pH range, highly resistant to hard water (calcium and magnesium ions), and maintains its structural integrity even at elevated temperatures (up to 200°C).
2. Physical & Chemical Specifications
(Manufactured to Green Agrochem Standards. Available in both Powder and Liquid forms to suit different formulation requirements.)
Powder Form
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | White to Beige Powder |
| Active Content | 60.0% – 80.0% |
| pH Value (10% Solution) | 5.0 – 8.0 |
| Sulfate Content | 15.0% – 30.0% |
| Bulk Density | 0.50 – 0.70 g/ml |
| Loss on Drying | 10.0% Max. |
| Solubility | Excellent in Water |
Liquid Form
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | Dark Brown Viscous Liquid |
| Active Content | 60.0% – 80.0% |
| pH Value (10% Solution) | 5.0 – 8.0 |
| Sulfate Content | 15.0% – 30.0% |
| Viscosity (at 25°C) | 200 – 1000 mPa.s |
| Density (at 25°C) | 1.10 – 1.30 kg/L |
| Flash Point | > 100°C |
3. Key Industrial Benefits
Because it acts as both a dispersant and a powerful wetting agent, SANS is a crucial formulation additive across several distinct sectors:
For Agriculture (Agrochemicals):
- Superior Leaf Penetration: When added to pesticide, herbicide, or foliar fertilizer tanks, SANS breaks the surface tension of the water. Instead of beading up and rolling off the waxy cuticle of a plant leaf, the chemical spray spreads completely flat, ensuring maximum chemical absorption and drastically reducing product waste.
For Textiles & Dyeing:
- Rapid Fiber Wetting: In scouring and bleaching processes, it forces water and cleaning agents deep into the core of natural and synthetic fibers.
- Level Dyeing: During the dye bath, it acts as a leveling agent, ensuring the dye strikes the fabric evenly without leaving dark patches or streaks.
For Industrial Cleaners & Construction:
- Heavy-Duty Degreasing: The hydrophobic tail of the SANS molecule bonds tightly to industrial greases and oils, while the hydrophilic head pulls the oil into the wash water for easy rinsing.
- Concrete & Dust Suppression: In construction, it improves the workability of specialized concrete batches and is frequently sprayed over dirt roads or mining sites to bind dust particles together, preventing them from going airborne.
4. Packaging & Storage
- Powder Packaging: Supplied in standard 25 kg PP woven bags or bulk 500 kg jumbo CP bags.
- Liquid Packaging: Shipped in heavy-duty 180 kg or 200 kg drums, or high-capacity IBC Totes.
- Storage Protocol: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The powder is non-hazardous but can create airborne dust during rapid pouring; wear a standard dust mask during handling. Ensure all containers (especially liquid drums) are tightly sealed when not in use.
- Shelf Life: 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly.