Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108) is a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid or paste with no obvious irritating odor. It is non-flammable and non-explosive. Although its toxicity is extremely low (rat oral LD₅₀ > 5 g/kg), basic protection and management should still be implemented during industrial use to ensure the long-term health and safety of operators.
This product is chemically stable and does not readily decompose under normal storage and handling conditions. However, it may react upon contact with strong oxidizing agents, so storage and mixing should avoid co-location. Additionally, the product is non-flammable, but combustion may generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other irritating or toxic fumes. Therefore, it should be kept away from ignition sources and high-temperature environments.
In terms of environmental safety, Polyether F-38 is readily biodegradable (OECD 301B standard, degradation rate >60%) and exhibits low toxicity to aquatic organisms (fish/daphnia LC₅₀/EC₅₀ > 100 mg/L). It is not classified as a hazardous substance to the aquatic environment. For disposal, it should be handled by qualified professional organizations in accordance with regulations and must not be discharged into sewers or the natural environment.
| Exposure Type | Treatment Method |
|---|---|
| Skin Contact | Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. If irritation or discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. |
| Eye Contact | Immediately lift the upper and lower eyelids and rinse continuously with running water or saline for at least 15 minutes. After rinsing, seek professional medical care immediately. |
| Inhalation | Quickly move to fresh air and maintain an open airway. If breathing difficulties occur, seek medical attention immediately. |
| Ingestion | Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention immediately and present the product safety data sheet. |
| Spill Handling | For small spills, absorb with inert absorbent materials (e.g., dry sand, vermiculite) and collect using non-sparking tools into a sealed container. For large spills, contain the spread area and cover with foam to suppress vapors. Dispose of cleanup waste through professional agencies. |
The low-foaming property of Polyether F-38 makes it excellent in processes requiring rapid defoaming. However, during formulation, attention should be paid to the fact that low-temperature solidification is a physical change. It can be restored by heating to room temperature and mixing evenly, without affecting the chemical properties and use performance. It is recommended to check the product appearance before use and ensure uniformity before feeding.