Some applications for  Sorbitan Esters and Polysorbates ( ethoxylated sorbitan esters) are given in below overview.

Mosselman produces the full range of  Sorbitan Esters on their plant in Belgium

Please do not hesitate to contact me for more specific information on products and applications.    

Polymer Additives & Masterbatches

Used as pigment dispersing , antistatic and antifog agents in polymers /masterbatches.  

Polishes & Industrial Cleaners

Sorbitan Monol Oleate for water-in-oil emulsion of hydrocarbons e.g. aerosol systems like multisurface spray polishes and cleaners. In combinationwith Polysorbate 60 or 80 are used as emulsifyng systems for silicone fluids in furniture polsih, shoe polish , car polish and furniture polishes.  They also function as non-toxic anti foam agent

Wipes

Polysorbates added into wipes and non-woven substrates improve cleaning efficiency of oil stains 

Paints and Dyes

SMS and SMO are used in these industries as a  pigment/dye dispersant.

Food

Sorbitanesters and Polysorbates are used as emulsifiers,solubilizers, foam stabilizers and wetting agents

Applications are ice cream, milk products,  chocolate, chewing gum, animal feed, ........ 

Feed

Sorbitan Mono Oleate 20 EO ( Polysorbate 80) is listed as feed additive  with the functon of emulsifier to be effective in maintaining the homogeneous distribution of the ingredients in feedstuffs materials 

Pharmaceuticals

Sorbitanesters and Polysorbates are used as emulsifiers. They are classified as excipients , i.e. non-active ingredient 

Pesticides

Sorbitanesters and Polysorbates are used as emulsifiers and wetting agents

Fabrics Softeners

Sorbitan Mono Stearate (SMS)  has smoothening properties for the surface of fibres.

Personal Care : skin care , hair care, 

Sorbitanesters  are used as an emulsifiers in for example in skin care and toiletries

Lubricants

SMO and Polysorbate 80 are used as oil in water emulsifiers in hydraulic fluids and metal working fluids (eg. Aluminium processing). 

SMO is low foaming which is a benefit during manufacturing

Emulsion Explosives 

SMO is widely used in emulsion explosives because of the good rheological properties and stability it gives to the emulsion

Textile Industry

Polysorbates: helps spinning synthetic and natural fibers, antistatic agent and lubricant for nylon and polyester sewing lines,