Question

How to use L-62 poloxamer? What is the recommended addition amount?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 L-62泊洛沙姆

The addition amount of L-62 poloxamer varies by application area, generally ranging from 0.05% to 10% of the total formulation weight; as a liquid nonionic surfactant, it can be directly added to the aqueous or oil phase for use.

Detailed Description

L-62 poloxamer (Poloxamer 182) appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid at room temperature, with a viscosity of approximately 400 mPa·s (25°C), offering good fluidity and pumpability, facilitating continuous metered addition in industrial processes. Due to its HLB value of about 7, the product disperses in water rather than being completely dissolved, and is readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. Its cloud point is approximately 32°C (1% aqueous solution); near or above this temperature, it may precipitate from aqueous solutions, so special attention is needed in high-temperature formulation design.

Based on the application fields in the product database, recommended addition amounts (by total formulation weight) for different uses are as follows: Automatic dishwasher rinse aids typically add 0.5%~5%, utilizing its low-foaming properties and ability to reduce surface tension to achieve spot-free and streak-free rapid drying; Metalworking fluids use it as a low-foaming wetting agent, recommended at 1%~5%, providing excellent wetting and spreading performance while maintaining low foam levels; Hard surface cleaners add 0.5%~3% to enhance penetration and detergency on surfaces such as glass and ceramics; Industrial defoamers incorporate it as a base component or foam suppressant at approximately 0.05%~1%, rapidly eliminating foam and providing sustained foam suppression.

Agrochemicals use it as an emulsifier or wetting agent, typically at 2%~10% (based on pesticide active ingredients), helping to form stable oil-in-water emulsions and improve the spreadability of the spray solution on plant leaves; Coatings and pigment systems use it as a pigment/filler dispersant, recommended at 0.5%~3% (based on pigment or filler weight), effectively deflocculating pigment agglomerates, improving color development and storage stability; Emulsion polymerization uses it as a primary or co-emulsifier at 1%~4% (based on monomer weight), helping to control latex particle size and stabilize the reaction system. These addition amounts are industry general reference ranges; actual optimal dosages should be determined through formulation trials.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValueTest Condition
HLB ValueApprox. 7
Cloud PointApprox. 32°C1% Aqueous Solution
Surface TensionApprox. 40 mN/m0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)Approx. 0.1%25°C
DensityApprox. 1.03 g/cm³25°C
Kinematic ViscosityApprox. 400 mm²/s25°C
Active Content≥99%
pH Value5.0~7.51% and 5% Aqueous Solution
Pour PointApprox. -20°C
Flash PointApprox. 240°C (COC)
Ionic TypeNonionic

Application Recommendations

Addition Method: L-62 poloxamer is a liquid product that can be directly pumped or poured into the formulation system. It is recommended to add it slowly under stirring into either the aqueous or oil phase to ensure uniform dispersion. If the formulation system is at a high temperature, pay attention to the product's cloud point of approximately 32°C; exceeding this temperature may cause phase separation. It is advisable to add it at room temperature or during the low-temperature stage.

Emulsification Applications: When used as an emulsifier in agrochemicals or in emulsion polymerization, L-62 can be pre-mixed uniformly with the oil-phase components, and then the oil phase is slowly added to the water phase under stirring, which helps form a stable oil-in-water emulsion. Since the HLB value is about 7, if higher emulsification efficiency is required, it can be compounded with other high-HLB surfactants.

Foam Control: This product exhibits excellent low-foaming and foam-control characteristics, making it particularly suitable for foam-sensitive formulation systems. In applications such as automatic dishwashers and high-pressure spray cleaning, it effectively prevents foam overflow and improves rinsing efficiency.

Precautions

  • Protective Measures: GHS classification: Skin irritation Category 2 and Serious eye irritation Category 2. Safety goggles and protective gloves should be worn during operation. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. If eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place at 5~30°C, keeping the container sealed. It may solidify below -20°C; prior to use, warm up to restore fluidity without affecting product performance.
  • Compatibility: Highly stable under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions, but avoid contact with strong oxidizers. It can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.
  • Addition Optimization: The database does not provide exact addition amounts for each application field; the recommended ranges above are industry general references. Actual addition amounts should be determined through laboratory trials based on the specific formulation system to find the optimal economic dosage. The technical team of Guoli Chemical can provide further formulation optimization support.