| HS Code | 556928 |
| Product Name | Polyfluoroalkyl Betaine-Type Surfactants (STAR-2157) |
| Chemical Classification | Polyfluoroalkyl betaine amphoteric surfactant |
| Appearance | Light yellow to amber transparent liquid |
| Active Content | 30% |
| Ph 1 Aqueous Solution | 6.0-8.0 |
| Density At 20 C | 1.10-1.25 g/cm³ |
| Surface Tension 0 1 Aqueous Solution | Approximately 20 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration | Approximately 100 mg/L |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water and polar solvents |
| Ionic Nature | Zwitterionic (betaine type) |
| Foaming Property | Low foaming |
| Thermal Stability | Stable up to 200°C |
| Chemical Stability | Stable in acidic and alkaline media |
As an accredited Polyfluoroalkyl Betaine-Type Surfactants (STAR-2157) factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Packaged in 25 kg sealed polyethylene-lined drums, clearly labeled with product name STAR-2157 and chemical hazard warnings. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | One 20′ FCL container loaded with drums of Polyfluoroalkyl Betaine-Type Surfactants (STAR-2157), securely packed and documented for transport. |
| Shipping | Ship in sealed, corrosion-resistant containers with proper hazard labeling. Polyfluoroalkyl betaine surfactants may be subject to environmental and transport regulations (IATA/IMDG/ADR). Protect from moisture, extreme temperatures, and incompatible materials. Ensure secondary containment and documentation per local and international guidelines for safe handling and disposal. |
| Storage | Store STAR-2157 in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat, and incompatible materials. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption or contamination. Ensure secondary containment is available to manage spills. Follow all local regulations and label instructions for safe handling and disposal. |
| Shelf Life | Stable for at least 12 months when stored sealed at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. |
Polyfluoroalkyl betaine-type surfactant STAR-2157 is incorporated into aqueous film-forming foam concentrates at addition rates between 1.0 wt% and 4.5 wt% of the finished 3% or 6% proportioned concentrate, with the precise level governed by whether the formulation is designed for seawater, freshwater, or polar solvent-resistant service. The surfactant functions as a zwitterionic co-surfactant that depresses interfacial tension against hydrocarbon fuels into the 20–25 mN/m range required for stable film formation, measured according to ASTM D1331-20 on diluted concentrate solutions. In production-scale foam concentrate manufacturing, the betaine is introduced during the co-surfactant solubilization stage after the hydrocarbon solvent package has been pre-mixed in a 2,000–10,000 L stainless steel batch vessel with a high-shear rotor-stator operating at 1,500–3,000 rpm; toll processor batch records frequently document viscosity spikes above 2,500 cP at 25°C when the addition order is reversed, and phase separation within 72 h when the pH during betaine addition is not maintained between 6.5 and 8.0. Downstream proportioning through bladder tanks, balanced-pressure pump proportioners, and line proportioners rated for 1%, 3%, and 6% induction must account for the 1,500–2,800 cP concentrate viscosity and shear-thinning behavior of the fluorosurfactant-rich phase; field audits at low flow velocities below 1.5 m/s in pickup tubes have recorded proportioner drift exceeding 0.5 percentage points caused by boundary-layer stratification. Terminal finished product types include 3% AFFF, 6% AFFF, and alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam concentrates used on hydrocarbon storage tanks, marine deck foam systems, and spill response trailers. Compliance documentation is anchored to EN 1568-3:2018 for low-expansion foam on water-immiscible liquids, UL 162 for foam concentrate and proportioning equipment listing, NFPA 11 for storage and discharge design, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1312 for marine fixed foam systems, and 40 CFR Part 705 for fluoroalkyl substance data reporting, with additional registration endpoints compiled under the REACH Annex VII dossier structure.
| Standard / Regulation | Application Scope | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1568-3:2018 | Low-expansion foam on water-immiscible liquids | Fire performance report, drain time, burnback |
| UL 162 | Foam concentrates and proportioning equipment | Listing report |
| NFPA 11 | Storage and discharge system design | Design density and proportioning rate records |
| IMO MSC.1/Circ.1312 | Marine fixed foam systems | Type approval certificate |
| 40 CFR Part 705 | Fluoroalkyl substance reporting | Substance identification and annual quantity |
Addition rates for STAR-2157 in waterborne alkyd, acrylic emulsion, and polyurethane dispersion coatings lie between 0.1 wt% and 0.8 wt% on total wet formulation, with the exact level determined by dynamic surface tension deficits measured on a bubble pressure tensiometer at surface ages of 50–500 ms; a wet-state value above 30 mN/m at 100 ms correlates with edge crawling and crater formation on corona-treated polypropylene and cold-rolled steel substrates. In a typical production process, the fluorosurfactant is introduced after the pigment dispersion stage, when millbase temperature has fallen below 40°C, because addition above 60°C in the presence of 0.3–0.6 wt% associative polyurethane thickener produces viscosity loss through competitive micellar interactions; the letdown is then blended at 500–800 rpm and the finished coating is filtered through a 40–60 µm nylon bag before transfer to a 200 L HDPE tote. Spray application through HVLP guns at 0.7–1.2 bar atomizing air and 60–120 µm wet film, followed by forced air drying at 60–80°C, yields terminal waterborne industrial coatings for agricultural and construction equipment, plastic automotive interior parts, and wood cabinetry. Compliance requirements include EU Commission Directive 2004/42/EC for VOC content in architectural and industrial maintenance coatings, ASTM D4062-11 for leveling, ASTM D523-14(2018) for specular gloss after 7-day conditioning, and ASTM D3924-16 for standard environment conditioning. Published long-term migration data for fluorotelomer betaine in cured alkyd films are limited.
Working bath concentrations of STAR-2157 in decorative and hard chromium electroplating lines range from 30 mg/L to 120 mg/L of active surfactant, equivalent to 0.003–0.012 wt% of the 250 g/L chromic acid electrolyte, with installation-specific adjustment made when the ventilation slot velocity is set at 0.3–0.5 m/s and the tank current density is held between 10 A/dm² and 60 A/dm²; the surfactant reduces surface tension at the electrolyte-air interface to 20–24 mN/m, which suppresses hydrogen bubble collapse mist without destabilizing trivalent chromium reoxidation at the lead alloy anodes. On lines with 10,000–20,000 L plating tanks and 10–20 V silicon-controlled rectifiers, the betaine is replenished by metering a 0.1–0.5% aqueous solution through a peristaltic pump into the tank return line; failure modes observed during site audits include foam accumulation above 150 mg/L active concentration, which interferes with rack transfer at 0.5–1.0 m/min, and rapid depletion below 30 mg/L when bath temperature rises above 60°C or when the sulfate-to-chromic acid ratio deviates outside 0.008:1–0.015:1. Compliance testing follows 29 CFR 1910.1026 for hexavalent chromium exposure limits of 5 µg/m³ as an 8-hour TWA, 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart N for national emission standards for chromium electroplating and anodizing tanks, ISO 16740:2005 for workplace air hexavalent chromium determination, and ISO 9227:2022 for salt spray verification of finished parts. Terminal finished product types include decorative chromium-plated automotive interior components, hard chromium-plated hydraulic piston rods, and chromium-plated steel rolls for paper and film converting.
In matrix acidizing and acid fracturing operations, STAR-2157 is added at 0.5–2.0 gallons per thousand gallons of stimulation fluid, equivalent to 0.05–0.2 vol%, to generate a nitrogen- or carbon dioxide-dispersed foam that maintains a half-life of 150–300 s at 15% HCl and bottomhole static temperatures up to 120°C; compatibility with cationic quaternary ammonium corrosion inhibitors is pilot-tested under NACE TM0199-2019 stirred kettle protocols because turbidity has been recorded above 5 gpt inhibitor loading in 28% HCl. The surfactant is metered by a positive displacement pump downstream of the acid mixing unit on a continuous blender, and the foamed acid is generated through a high-pressure foam loop at surface treating pressures of 3,500–8,000 psi and injection rates of 5–20 bbl/min. Terminal products include foamed 15% HCl and 20% HCl stimulation fluids for carbonate matrix acidizing, limestone and dolomite stimulation, and acid fracturing of low-permeability reservoirs. Regulatory compliance is maintained through 40 CFR Part 435 Subpart A for oil and gas extraction effluent limitations, 40 CFR Part 144/145 for Underground Injection Control Class II well permits, and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 for hazard communication during bulk transfer and wellsite handling. Published brine compatibility data at 250,000 mg/L total dissolved solids are limited.
Industrial alkaline immersion and spray washing formulations take up STAR-2157 at 0.05–0.2 wt% of a 5–10% sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide bath to lower the dynamic surface tension below 30 mN/m at 60–80°C, which improves wetting of stamped steel and aluminum heat exchanger parts without generating the foam carryover that can trip low-level sensors in 500–2,000 L spray washer sumps. The concentrate is normally injected into the recirculating wash stage after the bath is made up and the pH is above 12.5; terminal articles include degreased steel brake calipers, aluminum aerospace structural components, and zinc-phosphated sheet metal prior to powder coating. Compliance anchors include ASTM D1280-14 for total immersion corrosion of water-soluble metal cleaners, with additional site-level permitting governed by local industrial wastewater discharge limits for fluorinated surfactant residues.
Sheetfed and coldset web offset presses using alcohol-free fountain solution concentrates draw on STAR-2157 at 0.01–0.1 wt% of the ready-to-use dampening fluid, where it depresses the dynamic surface tension to 26–30 mN/m and prevents ink feedback into the dampening unit at press speeds from 8,000 to 18,000 sheets per hour; the typical make-up sequence dilutes the concentrate 1–3% in water to a conductivity of 800–1,500 µS/cm and a pH of 4.8–5.2, with the betaine introduced before gum arabic and pH buffers to avoid chelation reactions under alkaline conditions. On multi-unit presses with continuous-feed dampening systems, the solution is maintained at 10–12°C in recirculating units with 100 µm filtration; process audits identify conductivity drop below 700 µS/cm as a leading indicator of dampening solution exhaustion, while ink feedback occurs above 32 mN/m. Terminal printed products include folding cartons, direct mail, and publication work on coated and uncoated papers; compliance paths include Swiss Ordinance RS 817.023.21 for printing inks and varnishes intended for food contact, FDA 21 CFR 176.170 for components of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods, EuPIA Good Manufacturing Practices for low-migration printing inks, and BAT conclusions under EU IED 2010/75/EU for surface treatment using organic solvents as applicable to the pressroom ventilation stream. Published migration data specific to fluorotelomer betaine in printed paperboard under worst-case fatty food simulants are limited.
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Polyfluoroalkyl betaine-type surfactants designated by the model code STAR-2157 are supplied as a clear to slightly hazy liquid in which a zwitterionic ammonium carboxylate or sulfonate headgroup is covalently bonded to a partially fluorinated alkyl chain. Published data for this specific configuration is limited; therefore the values presented in this document are supplier target ranges or data for structurally comparable fluorinated betaine surfactants and must be confirmed against the certificate of analysis for the specific production lot. When diluted to 0.1 wt% active content in deionized water at 25 °C, analogous polyfluoroalkyl betaine systems measured by ASTM D1331-20 typically produce equilibrium surface tension values between 15 mN/m and 18 mN/m. The critical micelle concentration of comparable fluorinated betaine surfactants is generally one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of hydrocarbon cocamidopropyl betaine, which is a primary reason for its use in low-dose wetting and leveling formulations. The zwitterionic headgroup shifts from net cationic to net anionic character near the isoelectric point, and this pH-dependent charge inversion influences adsorption on metal oxides and polymer latex particles. In the presence of 50 g/L calcium chloride, the fluorinated chain remains surface-active, whereas many hydrocarbon betaine grades precipitate or lose surface activity under the same conditions. The product is relevant to fluoropolymer emulsion polymerization, acid etching baths, high-electrolyte cleaning formulations, and fire-fighting foam concentrates, although the latter is subject to current PFAS regulatory restrictions. STAR-2157 is not sold as a PFOA or PFOS salt, but fluorinated impurities in the C₆ and shorter range should be monitored by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in accordance with the buyer’s quality plan.
Release limits for STAR-2157 are typically controlled by the parameters listed in Table 1. These limits reflect production control targets rather than guaranteed values, because lot-to-lot variation in residual solvent, active content, and fluorinated chain distribution can shift the measured responses. The surface tension value is particularly concentration-dependent below the critical micelle concentration; therefore field dosing should be verified by surface tension measurement rather than by weight percentage alone.
| Parameter | Method | Target range or value |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visual inspection at 25 °C | Clear to slightly hazy liquid |
| Density | ASTM D4052-22, 20 °C | 1.10–1.25 g/cm³ |
| pH | ASTM E70-19, 1 wt%, 25 °C | 5.0–7.5 |
| Nonvolatile content | ISO 3251:2019, 105 °C, 2 h | 30–45 wt% |
| Surface tension | ASTM D1331-20, 0.1 wt%, 25 °C | 15.5–17.5 mN/m |
| Critical micelle concentration | Derived from ASTM D1331-20 | 0.004–0.015 wt% active |
| Viscosity | ASTM D2196-20, Brookfield LV-2, 30 rpm, 25 °C | 50–200 mPa·s |
| Pour point | ASTM D97-17b | Below 0 °C |
| Flash point | ASTM D93-20 | Above 100 °C |
Viscosity rises rapidly at temperatures below 10 °C, and phase separation or gel formation has been observed in unpreserved material stored below 5 °C for more than 48 h. The product should be reconstituted by gradual warming to 25 °C under low-shear agitation using a propeller stirrer operating below 100 rpm. In ISO 17025:2017-accredited laboratories, lot-specific surface tension and nonvolatile content should be requested when STAR-2157 is used in indirect food-contact formulations or in polymerization reactors requiring reproducible latex particle size distributions. For indirect food-contact applications, applicable regulations may include FDA 21 CFR 178.3570 and FDA 21 CFR 176.170, but the manufacturer’s food-contact status must be confirmed in writing. The flash point is not a primary classification concern, but the product may contain low levels of residual solvent that require local exhaust ventilation during bulk transfer. Do not use compressed air for product transfer if the receiving vessel is not grounded, because electrostatic discharge can occur in low-conductivity organic liquids.
In fluoropolymer emulsion polymerization reactors with jacketed glass-lined steel and turbine agitation, the addition of STAR-2157 as a pre-emulsion stabilizer requires control of shear rate, pH, and salt concentration to avoid destabilization of the monomer emulsion. Production-scale observations from comparable fluorinated betaine systems indicate that rotor-stator dispersers operating at tip speeds above 15 m/s can generate foam columns exceeding 150 mm when the product is introduced at 0.3 wt% active on monomer during the seed stage. Foam height measured by ASTM D1173-18 may exceed 60 mm at 25 °C in a 0.1 wt% solution. Consequently, high-shear processing with inline rotor-stator mixers should limit the initial STAR-2157 charge to 0.05–0.15 wt% active on monomer and add the remainder as a delayed feed after nucleated latex particles have formed.
The practical processing window for addition rate is narrow. Below 0.05 wt% active on monomer, pre-emulsion separation can occur, as indicated by creaming and droplet coalescence under static storage. Above 0.2 wt% active on monomer, the formulation may develop excessive low-density foam that reduces heat transfer and causes level probes in the reactor to misread. The zwitterionic headgroup remains active in the presence of potassium persulfate or ammonium persulfate initiators, but the polymerization mixture should be buffered to pH 4.5–6.5 because low pH protonates the carboxylate and shifts the surfactant toward cationic behavior, causing bridging interactions with negatively charged latex particles. At pH values above 7.5, the headgroup becomes anionic and can produce strong repulsion that delays particle coalescence during film formation. Addition of 0.1 wt% active content on monomer has been reported for analogous systems to reduce surface tension below 18 mN/m and to maintain pre-emulsion stability for more than 24 h, as measured by turbidity and backscatter using a Turbiscan-type stability analyzer. For exact STAR-2157 lots, the minimum stabilizer concentration should be determined by latex stability titration under the specific initiator and monomer feed profile.
Gear pump cavitation and erratic feeding occur when the formulation viscosity exceeds 200 mPa·s at 25 °C. Dilution with deionized water to less than 10 wt% active content before pumping typically reduces Brookfield viscosity below 100 mPa·s when measured at 30 rpm using ASTM D2196-20. Avoid using amine-based additives such as morpholine or dimethylethanolamine in the same feed line, because the protonated amine can form insoluble coacervates with the betaine and block static mixers. The product is typically compatible with reactor jacket temperatures from 60 °C to 90 °C, but the maximum hold time at 90 °C should not exceed 12 h unless data from the specific lot demonstrates hydrolytic stability.
For acid etching of copper and stainless steel, STAR-2157 has been evaluated in immersion baths containing 50 g/L sulfuric acid and 10 g/L hydrogen peroxide at 40 °C. Addition of 0.05–0.2 wt% product reduces surface roughness along the etched profile when measured by ISO 4287:1997 profilometry. Wetting on electroplated copper is typically assessed by contact angle using ASTM D7334-08; comparable fluorinated betaine systems produce contact angles below 40° at 0.1 wt%, although exact STAR-2157 data should be verified. The main processing constraint is oxidative attack on the fluorinated chain in strong oxidizer baths. Bath life shortens when hydrogen peroxide exceeds 20 g/L or when bath temperature rises above 60 °C; under these conditions, fluoride release should be monitored by ion chromatography according to ISO 10304-1:2007. Avoid combining with amine-based additives because protonated amines can form insoluble coacervates that blind spray nozzles and reduce etch uniformity. Static contact angle on 304 stainless steel has been reported to fall below 35° for analogous fluorinated betaine chemistries, but this value is not a contractual specification for STAR-2157.
Because fluorinated surfactants are subject to evolving PFAS restrictions, fire-fighting foam concentrates containing STAR-2157 require a regulatory screen before formulation development. In the European Union, fluorinated surfactants derived from perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids with chain lengths of C9–C14 are restricted under REACH Annex XVII entry 68, and member state implementations may impose additional limits on total organic fluorine. In the United States, state-level PFAS restrictions may apply even when the fluorinated chain is based on C6 telomer chemistry. A formulation containing 0.1–0.5 wt% STAR-2157 can reduce the surface tension of seawater to below 20 mN/m and improve film formation in screening tests conducted according to EN 1568-3, but the foam expansion ratio and drainage time are strongly influenced by the hydrocarbon cosurfactant blend. For formulated concentrates, foam expansion ratios measured by EN 1568-3 may fall between 6:1 and 10:1, though published data for this specific configuration is limited. Pilot-scale testing on the intended fuel type is required before use under UL 162 or ICAO fire test conditions. Use of STAR-2157 as a direct replacement for legacy long-chain fluorotelomer foam agents is not recommended without an updated environmental hazard assessment, because the degradation products of the fluorinated side chain may still be considered persistent organic pollutants under national regulatory schemes.
Table 2 compares STAR-2157 target ranges with representative hydrocarbon cocamidopropyl betaine and silicone polyether betaine data. The values are drawn from publicly available surfactant technical bulletins and should not be interpreted as head-to-head experimental data for identical test conditions unless the same ASTM method and active concentration are specified.
| Parameter | STAR-2157 target | Hydrocarbon betaine | Silicone betaine | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface tension at 0.1 wt% | 15.5–17.5 mN/m | 28–35 mN/m | 21–24 mN/m | ASTM D1331-20 |
| Critical micelle concentration | 0.004–0.015 wt% active | 0.05–0.2 wt% active | 0.02–0.08 wt% active | ASTM D1331-20 |
| Salt tolerance in CaCl₂ | Above 50 g/L | Typically precipitates above 20 g/L | Above 30 g/L | Visual and turbidity |
| Contact angle on clean glass | Below 30° at 0.1 wt% | 45–60° | 35–50° | ASTM D7334-08 |
| Foam height at 0.1 wt% | 50–80 mm | 120–180 mm | 40–70 mm | ASTM D1173-18 |
| Hydrolytic stability at pH 4–9 | Stable | Stable | Stable | Gravimetric and FTIR after 7 d at 40 °C |
The most consequential difference is the reduction in critical micelle concentration by approximately one to two orders of magnitude relative to hydrocarbon betaine chemistries. This allows lower use levels in formulations where residual surfactant migration must be minimized. However, the fluorinated chain also reduces ultimate biodegradation potential. STAR-2157 should be evaluated under OECD 301F ready biodegradability screening, but many fluorinated surfactants do not meet the 60% theoretical carbon dioxide evolution threshold within the 28-day window. Consequently, industrial users must assess local discharge limits for adsorbable organic fluorine or total organic fluorine before replacing a hydrocarbon betaine in wastewater-exposed operations. In metal-cleaning formulations, the lower equilibrium surface tension of STAR-2157 permits wetting of low-energy soils, but the cost per kilogram of active material is higher than hydrocarbon betaine, and the use concentration must be justified by performance data generated with ASTM D2281-20 wetting tests or equivalent production trials.
