Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical, with an HLB value of up to 30.5, a cloud point >100°C, easy water solubility, and excellent emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing capabilities. Its molecular structure is a block copolymer of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with a molecular weight of approximately 5000. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, with low foam and excellent chemical stability, maintaining stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and high-hardness water environments.
As a functional additive, the usage of Polyether F-38 varies significantly depending on the target system: in the polyurethane industry, it is added as a core reactive component to the polyol component for flexible foams, rigid foams, and elastomers; in the production of defoamers and demulsifiers, it serves as a synthetic intermediate, used after further esterification or modification; in coatings and adhesives, it is directly added as a modifying component to improve leveling, wetting, and flexibility; in textile auxiliaries, paper chemicals, and metalworking fluids, it is used as a formulation component in compounding.
Regarding the recommended dosage, the database currently does not have fixed recommended percentages for each application field. The actual dosage needs to be determined through gradient experiments based on the target properties of the formulation system (emulsifying power, dispersing power, foam control level, etc.). Typically, when used as an additive, the initial test range can refer to 0.1%~5%, and the specific dosage should be verified through process experiments. If you need technical guidance for a specific application scenario, it is recommended to contact the Guoli Chemical technical team for more precise formulation suggestions.
| Parameter Name | Indicator |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyether F-38 (Poloxamer 108) |
| CAS No. | 9003-11-6 |
| Appearance (25°C) | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| 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 |
| Density (25°C) | 1.00~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | About 950 mm²/s |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | ≈43 mN/m |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) | About 0.1% w/v |
| Moisture | ≤0.05% |
| Flash Point | >200°C |
| Freezing Point | About -10°C |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foam |
Polyurethane Foam: As a core reactive component added to the polyol system, it participates in the foaming reaction, regulates cell structure and reaction progress, and imparts good foaming fluidity and dimensional stability to the foam. Suitable for flexible foams (furniture, automotive seat cushions), rigid foams (building insulation materials), and semi-rigid foams.
Defoamer/Demulsifier Manufacturing: As a synthetic intermediate, it is used to prepare efficient defoamers and crude oil demulsifiers through further esterification or modification. Its excellent hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance ability makes it valuable in petroleum extraction and wastewater treatment.
Coatings and Adhesives Modification: Directly added to polyurethane coatings, adhesives, and casting elastomer formulations to introduce flexible segments, enhancing flexibility, hydrolysis resistance, and low-temperature impact resistance, while improving leveling and wetting properties.
Textile Auxiliaries: Compounded in spinning oils, dyeing auxiliaries, and finishing agents to provide leveling, antistatic, and softening effects, improving the hydrophilic hand feel of fabrics.
Metalworking Fluids: As a formulation component, it provides lubrication and rust prevention properties, enhancing the cleaning and cooling efficiency of cutting fluids.
Paper Chemicals: Improves pulp dispersion and paper surface properties.
Polyether F-38 is a low-toxicity substance (acute oral LD₅₀ > 5 g/kg), non-irritating to skin, non-sensitizing, and eye contact only causes mild reversible irritation. The product is non-flammable, non-explosive, chemically stable, and easily biodegradable (OECD 301B > 60%), meeting environmental requirements. However, it is still recommended to follow general industrial chemical operating procedures, avoid direct eye contact, and thoroughly wash hands after operation. In case of leakage, collect with inert absorbent material for disposal; do not discharge into drains or the natural environment.