Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108, CAS No.: 9003-11-6) is a nonionic surfactant composed of block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its unique hydrophilic-hydrophobic balanced molecular structure endows the product with outstanding surface activity, excellent chemical stability (stable in acids, alkalis, and hard water) as well as low-foaming and easy-to-control foaming characteristics, making it an ideal functional additive for cross-industry and multi-process scenarios.
In the polyurethane industry, Polyether F-38 serves as a core reaction component for synthesizing flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid foams. It effectively adjusts cell structure and reaction progression, imparting excellent foaming fluidity, dimensional stability, and comfortable resilience to the foam. End products cover furniture, automotive seat cushions, and building insulation materials. Meanwhile, its flexible segments can be introduced into polyurethane elastomers to enhance flexibility, hydrolysis resistance, and low-temperature impact resistance.
As an intermediate for nonionic surfactant synthesis, Polyether F-38, with its good HLB balance ability, is a key raw material for producing high-efficiency defoamers, crude oil demulsifiers, and industrial wetting agents. It holds significant value in petroleum extraction, wastewater treatment, and textile penetration fields. Additionally, in fine chemical formulations, it is used as a functional additive in textile finishing agents (leveling, antistatic), paper chemicals (improving pulp dispersion and paper surface properties), and metalworking lubricants (providing lubrication and anti-rust performance).
| Industry Field | Specific Application Process | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane Industry | Flexible/Rigid/Semi-rigid Foam Foaming, Elastomer Casting | Adjust cell structure, improve foaming fluidity, enhance resilience and dimensional stability |
| Defoamer and Demulsifier | Defoamer Synthesis, Crude Oil Demulsifier Preparation, Industrial Wetting Agent Formulation | Provide hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance ability, serve as key synthesis intermediate |
| Coatings and Adhesives | Polyurethane Coating Modification, Adhesive Formulation, Leveling Additive | Improve leveling, wetting, adhesion, and hydrolysis resistance |
| Textile Auxiliaries | Spinning Oils, Dyeing Auxiliaries, Finishing Agents | Leveling, antistatic, improve fabric hydrophilic hand feel |
| Paper Chemicals | Pulp Dispersion Treatment, Paper Surface Treatment | Enhance pulp dispersion, improve paper surface properties |
| Metalworking Fluids | Cutting Fluids, Lubricant Formulations | Provide lubrication, anti-rust, improve cleaning and cooling efficiency |
In practical applications, it is recommended to adjust the dosage of Polyether F-38 according to specific process requirements. When used as an emulsifier or wetting agent, the typical recommended addition amount is 0.1%–5% of the total formulation weight; the optimal ratio should be determined through small-scale trials. Its low-foaming property is especially suitable for high-speed stirring, spraying, or circulation systems that require rapid defoaming, reducing the reliance on additional defoamers.
If the product solidifies or becomes turbid due to low-temperature storage, warming it to room temperature and stirring evenly will restore its original state without affecting product performance. This product is chemically stable under normal storage conditions but should be avoided contact with strong oxidizers.