Polyether F-38 (CAS: 9003-11-6) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. Its chemical composition is a triblock copolymer of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with a molecular structure of HO(C₂H₄O)x(C₃H₆O)y(C₂H₄O)xH, also known commercially as Poloxamer 108 or Pluronic F-38. This product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 5000, exhibiting excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities due to its unique hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance design.
In terms of physicochemical properties, Polyether F-38 has a cloud point exceeding 100°C (1% aqueous solution), a surface tension of approximately 43 mN/m (0.1%, 25°C), and a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of about 0.1% w/v. The product demonstrates excellent chemical stability, maintaining stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments. It also features a low foaming characteristic, generating minimal foam and making it easy to control and eliminate. Regarding safety, the product has low toxicity (rat oral LD₅₀ > 5 g/kg), non-irritating and non-sensitizing to skin, and readily biodegradable (OECD 301B test > 60%), meeting the requirements of green chemical development.
| Parameter Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108) |
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 5000 |
| HLB Value | 30.5 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | >100°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~8.0 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 22.0~28.0 mgKOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤0.05 mgKOH/g |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approximately 950 mm²/s |
| Density | 1.00~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | ≈43 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approximately 0.1% w/v |
| Flash Point | >200°C |
| Melting Point | Approximately -10°C |
| Water Solubility | Easily soluble in water |
| Foam Characteristic | Low foaming |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.05% |
| Iodine Value | ≤0.5 |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
| Packaging Specification | 20kg woven bag |
1. Basic Raw Material for Polyurethane Foam: As a core reactive component in flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid foams, it participates in the polyurethane foaming reaction, regulating cell structure and reaction progress, imparting excellent foaming flowability, dimensional stability, and comfortable resilience. Widely used in furniture, automotive seat cushions, and building insulation materials.
2. Intermediate for Defoamer and Demulsifier Synthesis: With a high HLB value of 30.5, strong hydrophilic characteristics, and good hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, it serves as a key intermediate for preparing high-efficiency defoamers, crude oil demulsifiers, and industrial wetting agents. It holds significant value in petroleum extraction, wastewater treatment, and textile penetration fields.
3. Modifier for Coatings, Adhesives, and Elastomers: By introducing flexible polyether segments, it effectively enhances the flexibility, hydrolysis resistance, and low-temperature impact resistance of polyurethane coatings, adhesives, and casting elastomers, improving leveling, wetting, and adhesion, meeting high-end industrial protection and precision bonding technology requirements.
4. Formulation Components for Fine Chemicals: As a functional additive, it is widely used in formulating textile finishing agents, paper chemicals, and metalworking lubricants, improving fabric hydrophilic hand feel, enhancing pulp dispersion, and boosting cutting fluid cleaning and cooling efficiency.