Question

What is Polyether L-35?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚醚L-35

Polyether L-35 is a difunctional nonionic surfactant formed by the block copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO). Its international generic name is Poloxamer 105, and it is widely used in industrial fields due to its high efficiency, low foaming, excellent wetting and penetration properties, and broad chemical compatibility.

Detailed Description

Polyether L-35 (CAS: 68439-50-9), full name Ethoxylated Propoxylated C12-14 Alcohol, also known as Fatty Alcohol EO/PO Copolymer, is a low-foam nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with a molecular weight of about 1900. It is synthesized by block copolymerization of C12-14 fatty alcohol with ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Its special molecular structure contains both hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (EO) segments and hydrophobic polyoxypropylene (PO) segments, giving it unique surface activity—excellent dynamic wetting properties while generating minimal foam, making it highly effective in environments requiring rapid spreading but where defoaming is difficult.

The HLB value of this product is between 18 and 23, indicating a strongly hydrophilic surfactant. Its cloud point is 73~77°C (1% aqueous solution), showing that it maintains good solubility and surface activity at high temperatures. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Polyether L-35 is about 0.1%, and the surface tension is about 40 mN/m, which effectively reduces the surface tension of aqueous solutions, promoting rapid spreading and penetration of liquids on solid surfaces. Additionally, the product is chemically stable, effectively resisting acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions, and has good compatibility with various aqueous formulation systems.

In terms of safety, Polyether L-35 is a non-hazardous chemical, non-flammable and non-explosive. Its acute oral toxicity LD₅₀ (rat) is >5 g/kg, indicating extremely low toxicity. It is non-irritating to the skin and causes only very slight irritation to the eyes, making it safe to handle and an environmentally friendly industrial surfactant.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameTechnical Index
Chemical NameEthoxylated Propoxylated C12-14 Alcohol
CAS No.68439-50-9
AliasesPoloxamer 105 / Fatty Alcohol EO/PO Copolymer / Low-Foam Nonionic Surfactant
AppearanceColorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Ion TypeNonionic
Molecular Weight~1900
HLB Value18~23
Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)73~77 °C
Active Content≥99%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C)5.0~7.5
Density (25°C)1.05~1.06 g/cm³
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)About 285 mm²/s
Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution)About 40 mN/m
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)About 0.1% (w/v)
Hydroxyl Value45~56 mgKOH/g
Acid Value≤0.3 mgKOH/g
Moisture Content≤0.5%
Flash Point>100°C
Refractive Index (25°C)About 1.452
SolubilitySoluble in water, ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents
Foam CharacteristicsLow foam
Alkali ResistanceGood
Packaging Specifications50kg plastic drum / 200kg plastic drum / IBC tote

Application Recommendations

Paints and Inks: As a low-foam dynamic wetting agent, the recommended addition amount is 0.1%~0.5% of the total formulation. It effectively reduces dynamic surface tension, prevents cratering, enhances the wetting and adhesion of the coating to the substrate, and does not interfere with the defoaming of the system, helping to achieve a smooth and uniform coating.

Industrial and Household Cleaning: Used as a detergency booster in hard surface cleaners and dishwashing products, recommended dosage is 0.5%~2%. With excellent wetting and penetration, it quickly enters the interface between soil and substrate, synergizing with other surfactants to improve cleaning efficiency, and its low-foam feature facilitates easier rinsing.

Metalworking Fluids: In cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and other metalworking fluids, it provides both emulsifying and lubricating functions. Recommended dosage is 1%~5%. It stabilizes the emulsion system to prevent oil-water separation, forms a lubricating film on metal surfaces to reduce friction and heat, prolongs tool life, and improves surface finish.

Textile and Dyeing: As a highly effective penetrant and leveling agent, recommended dosage is 0.2%~1%. In pretreatment and dyeing processes, it accelerates uniform diffusion of the working liquid into the fiber interior, reducing color spots and streaks, and is particularly suitable for jet dyeing processes requiring low foam.

Agrochemical Formulations: Used for emulsification and dispersion in pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, aqueous suspension concentrates, and other formulations. Recommended dosage is 2%~8%. It stabilizes emulsion droplets or disperses solid particles to prevent stratification and flocculation, while improving the spreading and adhesion of the spray liquid on plant leaves, enhancing the utilization of active ingredients.

Water-Based Adhesives: Modifies the surface tension of the system, recommended dosage is 0.1%~0.3%. Enhances wetting of difficult-to-bond substrates such as plastics and metals, improves initial tack and bonding strength, while controlling foam to maintain smooth application.

Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place at 5°C~40°C, keep container sealed to prevent moisture absorption, avoid contact with strong oxidizers, and do not store or transport together with food or feed.
  • Handling Protection: It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles during operation to avoid direct eye contact. After handling, wash hands and any contacted areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Product Characteristics: This product has a certain hygroscopicity; after opening, use it as soon as possible and seal tightly. Its freezing point is below 0°C, and it is not affected by freezing during winter use.
  • Compatibility Test: Due to differences in specific formulation systems, it is recommended to perform small-scale compatibility and performance tests before large-scale use to determine the optimal dosage.