Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Powder 94%) - China

Brief Overview

SLS Powder 94% is a versatile anionic surfactant used in various industries, primarily in toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, cosmetics, and more. It also serves as an emulsifier and can be used as a fire extinguishing agent. This product is available in powder forms, and it is white with a purity of 94%.

Manufacturing Process

SLS is synthesized by treating lauryl alcohol with sulfur trioxide gas, oleum, or chlorosulfuric acid to produce hydrogen lauryl sulfate. The industrially practiced method typically uses sulfur trioxide gas. The resulting product is then neutralized through the addition of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. Lauryl alcohol is in turn usually derived from either coconut or palm kernel oil by hydrolysis, which liberates their fatty acids, followed by hydrogenation.
Due to this synthesis method, commercial samples of SLS are often a mixture of other alkyl sulfates, dodecyl sulfate being the main component. SLS is available commercially in powder and pellet forms. It seems the pellet form dissolves faster than the powder form in water.

Washing powder
It is used as a surfactant to remove dirt and oil from clothes

Toothpaste
Used as a foaming and wetting agent in toothpaste

Soap
It is used as a surfactant to create lather and remove dirt and oil from the skin