CAS Number:
151-21-3
Chemical / INCI Name:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate)
Molecular Formula:
C12H25NaO4S
Molecular Weight:
288.38 g/mol
Common Form:
White or off-white needle-shaped crystals or coarse granules
Uses:
SLS Needles are used for the same primary applications as the powder form, serving as a high-foaming anionic surfactant. The needle/granular form is specifically chosen for its advantageous physical handling and processing properties in industrial manufacturing.
Primary Applications:
· Industrial Manufacturing of Personal Care & Detergents: The preferred form for large-scale production of shampoos, shower gels, toothpastes, and powdered detergents due to better flowability and reduced dust.
· Household & Industrial Cleaners: Used in the formulation of powdered and tabletized cleaning products where low dust and easy blending are critical.
· Chemical Synthesis & Laboratory: As a standard reagent and protein denaturant, where the crystalline form may offer benefits in precise weighing and stability.
What does SLS Needles do in a formulation?
- Core Function: Acts as the primary surfactant, foaming agent, and emulsifier, identical to the powder form.
- Form-Specific Advantages of Needles/Granules:
· Excellent Flowability: The granular form flows freely, preventing clogging in pneumatic conveying systems and automated feeding equipment.
· Low Dust Generation: Significantly reduces airborne dust compared to fine powders, improving workplace safety (reduced inhalation risk) and minimizing product loss.
· Ease of Handling & Dosing: Easier to weigh and handle manually or automatically in batch processes due to reduced static and caking.
· Improved Solubility Rate: The crystalline structure can sometimes offer a controlled, rapid dissolution in water.
Safety Profile:
The safety profile is identical to SLS powder as it is the same chemical compound.
· Hazard Classification: Danger. Causes skin irritation, serious eye damage, and may cause respiratory irritation.
· Handling: Despite lower dust, always use in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and consider a dust mask during large-scale handling.
· Storage: Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place. Keep away from strong oxidizers.
Technical profile:
| Property | Values |
| Appearance | White or off-white needle crystals or free-flowing granules |
| Active Matter (Assay) | Typically very high, often ≥ 90% or ≥ 98.5% |
| Bulk Density | Higher than powder, usually in the range of 0.5 - 0.7 g/cm³, contributing to better flow. |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water (solubility identical to powder form) |
| pH (10% solution) | Typically 7.0 - 9.5 |
| Key Physical Differentiator | Particle Size and Shape. The particles are larger (e.g., 20-80 mesh or 0.2-1.0 mm) and acicular (needle-like) or granular, as opposed to a fine powder. |