Polyether L-35 (international generic name: Poloxamer 105) is a bifunctional nonionic surfactant produced by block copolymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Its unique molecular structure endows it with excellent low-foaming dynamic wetting ability, along with good emulsifying and dispersing properties and broad chemical compatibility, making it an indispensable functional additive in multiple industrial fields.
In process applications, the most prominent advantage of Polyether L-35 is its ability to "wet without generating foam" — it rapidly reduces dynamic surface tension, promoting liquid spreading and penetration into substrates, yet produces almost no foam interference. This characteristic makes it especially suitable for high-speed coating, jet dyeing, high-pressure cleaning, and other operating scenarios where defoaming is difficult. Additionally, this product is resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, maintaining stable activity even in complex aqueous systems.
1. Coatings and Inks — Low-foaming Dynamic Wetting Agent
In coating and ink formulations, Polyether L-35 effectively reduces dynamic surface tension, promoting rapid spreading and wetting on substrates and preventing surface defects such as craters. Its low-foaming property avoids foam interference during production and application (e.g., roller coating, spraying), helping to obtain smooth and uniform coatings. Suitable for both water-based and solvent-based systems.
2. Industrial and Household Cleaning — Decontamination Enhancing Component
With excellent wetting and penetrating abilities, Polyether L-35 quickly enters the interface between dirt and substrate, synergizing with the main surfactant to enhance cleaning efficiency. It maintains low-foaming performance in products such as hard surface cleaners and dishwashing detergents, facilitating easy rinsing and reducing water usage.
3. Metalworking Fluids — Emulsifying and Lubricating Additive
In cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and forming lubricants, Polyether L-35 stabilizes oil-water emulsions to prevent separation and forms a lubricating film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and heat, thereby helping to extend tool life and improve surface finish.
4. Textile Printing and Dyeing — Penetrant and Leveling Agent
In pretreatment and dyeing processes, this product acts as an efficient penetrant to accelerate uniform diffusion of the working liquid into fibers, and also functions as a leveling agent to reduce color spots and streaks, especially suitable for jet dyeing processes requiring low foaming.
5. Agrochemical Formulations — Emulsifying and Dispersing Agent
In pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, and other formulations, Polyether L-35 stabilizes emulsion droplets or disperses solid particles to prevent stratification and flocculation, while also improving the spreading and adhesion of the spray liquid on plant leaves, enhancing the utilization rate of active ingredients.
6. Water-based Adhesives and Sealants — Surface Tension Modifier
When added to water-based adhesives and sealants, it reduces system surface tension, enhances wetting on various difficult-to-bond substrates (such as plastics and metals), improves initial tack and bond strength, and controls foam to ensure smooth application.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Polyether L-35 (Poloxamer 105) |
| CAS No. | 68439-50-9 |
| Chemical Type | Nonionic surfactant (EO/PO block copolymer) |
| Appearance | Colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | Not available |
| Cloud Point | Not available |
| pH Adaptability | Resistant to acids and alkalis, stable over a wide pH range |
| Hard Water Tolerance | Good, maintains activity in electrolyte-containing environments |
| Foaming Characteristics | Low foaming |
Polyether L-35 combines wetting, emulsifying, and low-foaming functions in formulations, making it suitable as a multifunctional additive that can simplify formulation structure. It is particularly applicable in processes requiring dynamic wetting (e.g., high-speed coating, jet dyeing). The specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the formulation system and target effects; generally, a small amount as an additive can achieve significant results. Its mild toxicological properties (LD₅₀ > 5 g/kg, non-irritating to skin) also make it suitable for use in production environments with frequent operator contact.