Polyether F-38 (CAS No.: 9003-11-6), chemically named polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, also known as Poloxamer 108. Its molecular structure is HO(C₂H₄O)x(C₃H₆O)y(C₂H₄O)xH, belonging to the non-ionic surfactant category. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, slightly hygroscopic, with a freezing point of about -10°C. At low temperatures, it may solidify or become turbid, but it can be restored by warming and stirring without affecting performance.
This product exhibits excellent surface activity, with a cloud point of greater than 100°C for a 1% aqueous solution, a surface tension of approximately 43 mN/m at 0.1% concentration (25°C), and a critical micelle concentration of about 0.1% w/v, indicating it can effectively reduce interfacial tension at low concentrations. Meanwhile, the product generates low foam volume, making it a low-foaming type suitable for scenarios requiring rapid defoaming or low-foam processes. It has good chemical stability in acid, alkali, and high-hardness water environments, but is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
| Parameter Item | Specification/Value | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 9003-11-6 | — |
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 5000 | — |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid | — |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic | — |
| HLB Value | 30.5 | Extremely hydrophilic |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | >100°C | — |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~8.0 | — |
| pH Value (5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.5 | — |
| Active Content | ≥99% | — |
| Moisture Content | ≤0.05% | — |
| Density (25°C) | 1.00~1.10 g/cm³ | — |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approx. 950 mm²/s | Low shear viscosity approx. 950 mPa·s |
| Refractive Index (25°C) | 1.452~1.457 | — |
| Freezing Point | Approx. -10°C | May become turbid or solidify at low temperatures |
| Flash Point | >200°C | Non-flammable |
| Hydroxyl Value | 22.0~28.0 mg KOH/g | — |
| Acid Value | ≤0.05 mg KOH/g | — |
| Saponification Value | ≤0.5 mg KOH/g | — |
| Iodine Value | ≤0.5 g I₂/100g | — |
| Unsaturation | ≤0.05 mol/kg | — |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | ≈43 mN/m | — |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | Approx. 0.1% w/v | — |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water | — |
| Foaming Characteristics | Low foaming | — |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 mg/kg | — |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg/kg | — |
| Chemical Stability | Stable | Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents |
| Packaging Specification | 20kg woven bag | — |
| Shelf Life | One year (unopened, 5~40°C) | — |
With an ultra-high HLB value of 30.5 and excellent surface activity, Polyether F-38 is particularly suitable as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier and efficient wetting dispersant. In the polyurethane industry, it serves as a core reactive component for flexible foam, rigid foam, and elastomers; in the synthesis of defoamers and crude oil demulsifiers, it acts as a key intermediate; in coatings and adhesives, it functions as a modifying component to enhance flexibility and adhesion; in textile auxiliaries, paper chemicals, and metalworking fluids, it plays roles in leveling, antistatic, dispersing, and lubricating. The recommended dosage should be determined through specific formulation experiments.