L-62 Poloxamer (Poloxamer 182) is a low-foaming nonionic block copolymer surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, precisely copolymerized from ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with an average molecular weight of about 2500 and CAS number 9003-11-6.
Detailed Description
L-62 Poloxamer, also known as Poloxamer 182, Polyether L62, or PEG/PPG-25/30 Copolymer, is a high-performance nonionic surfactant composed of alternating hydrophilic polyethylene oxide (EO) chains and hydrophobic polypropylene oxide (PO) chains. Its molecular structure formula is HO(C₂H₄O)a(C₃H₆O)b(C₂H₄O)aH. By precisely controlling the ratio of EO to PO and the block sequence, it achieves unique low-foaming characteristics and excellent interfacial activity.
At room temperature, the product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid with a slight characteristic odor. It is easy to pour and pump, making it very suitable for industrial continuous production. It disperses in water and is readily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. It is hygroscopic. With an HLB value of about 7, L-62 Poloxamer exhibits balanced performance across multiple functional dimensions including emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and defoaming, making it a versatile industrial surfactant.
From a safety perspective, L-62 Poloxamer has extremely low acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀ (rat) > 5,000 mg/kg, practically non-toxic), is readily biodegradable, and has low toxicity to aquatic organisms. GHS classification is Skin Irritation Category 2 and Serious Eye Irritation Category 2. Precautions should be taken to protect eyes and skin during handling. The flash point is approximately 240°C. It is chemically stable under normal conditions and maintains excellent performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments.
Technical Parameters
| Item | Specification |
|---|
| Chemical Name | Poloxamer 182 / PEG/PPG-25/30 Copolymer |
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| Molecular Formula | HO(C₂H₄O)a(C₃H₆O)b(C₂H₄O)aH |
| Average Molecular Weight | ~2500 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance (Room Temperature) | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid |
| HLB Value | 7 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | Approximately 32°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% / 5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0–7.5 |
| Density (25°C) | Approximately 1.03 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approximately 400 mm²/s |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.452–1.456 |
| Flash Point (COC) | Approximately 240°C |
| Pour Point | Approximately -20°C |
| Hydroxyl Value | 40–55 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤0.5 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | ≤1 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.5% |
| Iodine Value | ≤1 |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | Approximately 40 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration CMC (25°C) | Approximately 0.1% |
| Foaming Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether; disperses in water |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions; resistant to acids and alkalis; avoid strong oxidizing agents |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤20 mg/kg |
| Arsenic Content | ≤2 mg/kg |
Application Recommendations
L-62 Poloxamer, due to its low-foaming properties and multifunctional surface activity, has wide application value in multiple industrial fields:
- Automatic Dishwasher Rinse Aid: As a core component, effectively reduces the surface tension of rinse water, minimizes water spots and streaks on dishes, and achieves rapid, streak-free drying. Recommended usage depends on formulation system adjustments.
- Industrial and Fermentation Defoamer: Used directly as a base component of low-foaming defoamers or provides rapid foam suppression and lasting foam inhibition in processes such as papermaking, water treatment, and microbial fermentation, improving production efficiency.
- Metalworking Fluids: Acts as a low-foaming wetting agent in cutting fluids and grinding fluids, providing excellent wetting and spreading ability while maintaining low foam levels, ensuring machining accuracy and workpiece finish.
- Hard Surface Cleaners: Enhances penetration and wetting on hard surfaces such as glass and ceramics, helping effectively remove grease and stains.
- Agrochemicals: Used as a pesticide emulsifier to stably emulsify oily active ingredients into oil-in-water emulsions, or as a wetting agent to increase the spreading area of the pesticide solution on leaf surfaces, improving absorption utilization and efficacy.
- Emulsion Polymerization and Coatings Industry: Used as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization to help control latex particle size and stabilize the reaction system; also acts as a dispersant for water-based pigments and fillers, preventing flocculation and sedimentation, improving color development and storage stability.
- Textile Processing Auxiliaries: Used as a leveling agent, antistatic agent, or softening component to improve textile processing performance and hand feel.
Precautions
- Eye Protection: This product may cause serious eye irritation. Safety goggles conforming to EN 166 must be worn during handling.
- Skin Protection: May cause mild skin discomfort. It is recommended to wear appropriate protective gloves and work clothing and wash thoroughly after handling.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at 5-30°C, keep containers sealed, away from strong oxidizing agents. Available packaging: 50 kg plastic drum, 200 kg plastic drum, or IBC tote.
- Spill Handling: In case of leakage, collect mechanically into sealed containers, use inert absorbent materials for residual treatment, prevent entry into drainage systems or water bodies.
- First Aid Measures: 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 soap.
- Packaging Specifications: Available in 50 kg plastic drums, 200 kg plastic drums, and IBC totes. Custom specifications can be made upon request.
