SPANS 60

Spans 60, also known as Sorbitan Monostearate (SMS), is a non-ionic surfactant primarily used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications. It is a fatty acid ester of sorbitol and stearic acid, and it has excellent emulsifying, stabilizing, and dispersing properties. Spans 60 is typically a pale yellow to brownish waxy solid or a viscous liquid and is often used in formulations where stability, consistency, and enhanced texture are required. It is widely used to create stable emulsions, prevent separation of ingredients, and improve the performance of various products.

Applications:

1. Food Industry:

• Emulsifier: Spans 60 is primarily used as an emulsifier in food products, particularly in items that require the combination of oil and water. It helps to stabilize emulsions, prevent separation, and improve the texture of food products like margarine, mayonnaise, dressings, and processed cheeses.
• Ice Cream and Dairy Products: It is widely used in ice cream and other dairy products to stabilize the emulsions and improve creaminess, texture, and consistency.
• Beverages: In beverages, particularly in non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink mixes, Spans 60 can improve the solubility of ingredients, preventing separation and ensuring smooth consistency.
• Bakery: Spans 60 is used in bakery products to enhance the dough’s ability to hold moisture and improve texture, leading to a softer crumb and longer shelf life.
• Confectionery: It is used in chocolates and candies to improve the texture and prevent crystallization, ensuring smoother products.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Drug Delivery Systems: Spans 60 is used in pharmaceutical formulations as an emulsifying agent in the preparation of ointments, creams, and lotions, improving drug absorption and stability.
• Injectables and Suspensions: In injectable solutions and oral suspensions, it can help disperse active ingredients uniformly, preventing aggregation and enhancing bioavailability.
• Topical Formulations: It is used in the formulation of various topical creams and ointments, where it helps stabilize the mixture of oil and water-based ingredients.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

• Emulsifying Agent in Creams and Lotions: In cosmetics, Spans 60 is used to emulsify water and oil phases, resulting in stable emulsions that enhance the smooth application and spreadability of lotions, moisturizers, and creams.
• Hair Care: It is used in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments to stabilize formulations and improve the texture and consistency.
• Skin Care: Spans 60 is used in products like sunscreens, body lotions, and moisturizers to create a smooth, creamy texture while ensuring that oil and water phases remain combined.
• Deodorants: It is used in deodorants and antiperspirants to stabilize the formula and ensure an even distribution of active ingredients.

4. Industrial Applications:

• Paints and Coatings: In the industrial sector, Spans 60 is used in paints and coatings to improve stability, enhance dispersibility of pigments, and maintain a smooth, even consistency.
• Lubricants: It is used in some industrial lubricants as a dispersing agent, ensuring uniform distribution of the lubricant components.
• Agriculture: In agriculture, it is used as a dispersing agent in pesticide formulations, ensuring the active ingredients are evenly mixed with water and stay suspended.

5. Textile Industry:

• Textile Processing: Spans 60 is used as a wetting agent and emulsifier in textile processing, improving the application of dyes and other chemicals on fabrics, and ensuring even penetration and coloration.

Safety Guidelines:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Skin Protection: Spans 60 is generally considered safe for skin contact in typical concentrations used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, gloves should be worn when handling large quantities to avoid prolonged exposure, especially in industrial applications.
   • Eye Protection: It is advisable to wear safety goggles when handling Spans 60 in its powder or liquid form to prevent accidental eye contact, as it may cause irritation.
   • Respiratory Protection: When handling powdered Spans 60 or using it in large quantities, use a dust mask to avoid inhaling any airborne particles.
2. Storage:
   • Store Spans 60 in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The product should be kept in a tightly sealed container to prevent contamination or absorption of moisture.
   • Ensure the product is stored away from strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases to prevent any adverse chemical reactions.
3. First Aid:
   • Inhalation: If inhaled, remove the person to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty persists.
   • Skin Contact: If Spans 60 comes into contact with the skin, wash the affected area with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
   • Eye Contact: In case of eye contact, flush the eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation continues.
   • Ingestion: Although Spans 60 is generally regarded as safe in food-grade formulations, if ingested in large quantities, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Seek medical attention if necessary.
4. Disposal:
   • Dispose of Spans 60 according to local environmental regulations. Small amounts of waste may be disposed of in regular waste, while larger quantities should be disposed of in a manner that prevents environmental contamination.
   • Avoid releasing large amounts of Spans 60 into water sources, as it can affect aquatic life.