L-62 Poloxamer (Poloxamer 182, CAS: 9003-11-6) is an ABA-type triblock copolymer precisely arranged with polyethylene oxide (PEO) segments and polypropylene oxide (PPO) segments. In its molecular structure, the hydrophobic polypropylene oxide segment is located in the middle, with hydrophilic polyethylene oxide segments attached at both ends, forming a typical "hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic" structure. Commercial aliases for this product include Poloxamer 182, Polyether L62, PEG/PPG-25/30 copolymer.
From the naming convention, its composition can be interpreted: The first two digits "18" in "Poloxamer 182" multiplied by 100 represent the approximate molecular weight (about 1800) of the polypropylene oxide (PPO) portion, and the last digit "2" multiplied by 10 represents the approximate percentage (about 20%) of the polyethylene oxide (PEO) portion in the total molecular weight. Therefore, this product is dominated by hydrophobic PPO segments with relatively low PEO content, giving it significant characteristics of low foaming and foam control.
This copolymer contains no ionic groups and relies entirely on ether bonds to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules to exert its surface activity, thus it is classified as a nonionic surfactant. Its unique block structure enables it to possess multiple functions such as emulsification, wetting, dispersion, and defoaming, and it is widely used in industrial and institutional cleaning, metalworking, agrochemicals, and other fields.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide |
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| INCI Name | PEG/PPG-25/30 Copolymer |
| Common Aliases | Poloxamer 182, Polyether L62 |
| Average Molecular Weight | Approximately 2500 |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Molecular Structure Type | ABA-type triblock copolymer (PEO-PPO-PEO) |
| Appearance at Room Temperature | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent oily liquid |
| Hydrophilic Segment (PEO) Proportion | About 20% (derived from product naming) |
Due to the high proportion of polypropylene oxide segments (approximately 80%), L-62 Poloxamer has strong lipophilicity and relatively weak hydrophilicity, making it particularly suitable as a base component in low-foaming defoamers and antifoaming agents. It performs excellently in formulations requiring foam control, such as automatic dishwasher rinse aids, metalworking fluids, and hard surface cleaners. Meanwhile, its block structure still retains sufficient surface activity, allowing it to be used as an auxiliary emulsifier in emulsion polymerization and as a wetting and dispersing agent for water-based pigments/fillers.
This product should be stored with the container sealed in a cool (recommended 5~30°C), dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, away from strong oxidizing agents. Protective gloves and safety goggles are recommended during operation to avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact. For specific safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).