L-62 Poloxamer is a high-performance nonionic block copolymer surfactant known for its excellent low-foaming, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. It is widely used in over ten fields including industrial defoaming, cleaning, agrochemicals, and polymer processing.
Detailed Description
L-62 Poloxamer (also known as Poloxamer 182, Polyether L62, CAS: 9003-11-6) is a nonionic surfactant produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. Its chemical structure is a block copolymer of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with an average molecular weight of about 2500. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid with a mild characteristic odor. It is easy to pour and pump, facilitating continuous industrial production. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is about 7. It disperses in aqueous systems and is readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, exhibiting properties intermediate between oil-soluble and water-soluble surfactants.
As a nonionic polyether surfactant, L-62 Poloxamer offers three core advantages: First, excellent low-foaming and foam control performance. Its unique molecular configuration almost eliminates stable foam in applications, making it ideal for automatic dishwasher rinse aids and hard surface cleaning formulations. Second, strong chemical stability. It remains highly stable under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions, with performance unaffected by complex water quality or extreme systems. Third, high versatility. It simultaneously exhibits multiple surfactant functions such as emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and leveling, making it a highly universal industrial auxiliary.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Product Name | L-62 Poloxamer / Poloxamer 182 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance (25°C) | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid |
| Average Molecular Weight | ~2500 |
| HLB Value | 7 |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | Approx. 32°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Hydroxyl Value | 40-55 mg KOH/g |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0-7.5 |
| Density (25°C) | Approx. 1.03 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approx. 400 mm²/s |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | Approx. 40 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C) | Approx. 0.1% |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.452-1.456 |
| Flash Point (COC) | Approx. 240°C |
| Pour Point | Approx. -20°C |
| Acid Value | ≤0.5 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤1 |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤20 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Penetration Power | Good |
| Solubility in Water | Dispersible in water |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Readily soluble in ethanol, ether, etc. |
| Packaging Specifications | 50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote |
Application Recommendations
Thanks to its low foaming, efficient wetting, and multi-functional surfactant properties, L-62 Poloxamer performs exceptionally well in the following eleven application scenarios:
- Industrial Defoamers: Rapid defoaming and sustained foam suppression, suitable for processes such as papermaking, water treatment, and industrial cleaning. It is a core base component of low-foam defoamers.
- Fermentation Defoamers: Efficiently controls foam in microbial fermentation systems, improving aeration efficiency and target product yield.
- Automatic Dishwasher Rinse Aids: Reduces the surface tension of rinse water, significantly minimizing water spots and streaks on tableware, achieving spot-free and streak-free rapid drying.
- Low-Foam Wetting Agents for Metalworking Fluids: Provides excellent wetting and spreading ability in cutting fluids and grinding fluids while maintaining low foam, improving machining precision and surface finish.
- Hard Surface Cleaners: Enhances penetration and wetting, effectively removing oil and dirt from hard surfaces such as glass and ceramics.
- Emulsifiers for Agrochemicals: Stably emulsifies oily pesticide active ingredients into oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, improving spray uniformity and field efficacy.
- Wetting Agents for Agrochemicals: Increases the wetting and spreading area of pesticide droplets on plant leaf surfaces, promoting absorption and utilization of active ingredients.
- Emulsifiers for Emulsion Polymerization: Serves as a primary or auxiliary emulsifier in the emulsion polymerization of coatings and adhesives, stabilizing monomer droplets and polymer latex particles, and helping control particle size distribution.
- Pigment Dispersants: Promotes uniform dispersion of pigment particles in water-based or solvent-based systems, effectively deagglomerates clusters, prevents flocculation and sedimentation, improving color development and storage stability.
- Filler Dispersants: Improves the dispersion of fillers in coatings, adhesives, and other systems, enhancing formulation uniformity and storage stability.
- Textile Processing Auxiliaries: Used as leveling agents, antistatic agents, or softener components, improving textile processing performance and finished product hand feel.
Precautions
- Safety Classification: The product is classified as non-hazardous. Acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ (rat) > 5000 mg/kg, practically non-toxic. It is not sensitizing, mutagenic, or carcinogenic. However, according to GHS classification, it is classified as Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315: Causes skin irritation) and Serious Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319: Causes serious eye irritation). Operators should wear safety goggles and protective gloves, and avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool (recommended 5~30°C), dry, well-ventilated area. Keep containers sealed, away from strong oxidizers, and prevent moisture and water vapor ingress. Compatible sealed containers made of stainless steel, glass, or polyethylene are recommended.
- Emergency Treatment: In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For skin contact, wash with plenty of water and mild soap. In case of spillage, collect mechanically and treat residues with inert absorbent material. Do not discharge into drains or water bodies.
- Environmental and Disposal: The product is readily biodegradable, low in toxicity to aquatic organisms, and does not exhibit significant bioaccumulation potential. Disposal must comply with local and national environmental regulations and be carried out by licensed waste treatment facilities through incineration or sanitary landfill.
