Polyether L-35 is a versatile low-foaming nonionic surfactant, typically added directly into the formulation during mixing. The recommended dosage varies significantly by application, generally ranging from 0.1% to 5.0% of the total formulation weight.
Detailed Description
Polyether L-35 (Poloxamer 105) is a liquid nonionic surfactant that is very easy to use. In most industrial applications, it can be directly added to the water phase or oil phase at the appropriate stage of formulation production, and dispersed and dissolved through conventional stirring. Due to its excellent chemical compatibility and good acid-base tolerance, it can be compounded with almost all types of ionic and nonionic surfactants.
The dosage significantly affects the final performance; it is generally recommended to start with a small amount and conduct gradient tests. When used as a wetting agent, even at very low concentrations (e.g., 0.1%), it can effectively reduce dynamic surface tension. When used as an emulsifier or dispersant, higher dosages are required to stabilize the system. Overuse may lead to changes in system viscosity or unwanted foam, so finding the optimal balance between cost and performance is crucial.
Technical Parameters
Before determining the optimal dosage, understanding its physicochemical properties can help guide usage:
| Parameter Name | Typical Value |
|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) | 18~23 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | 73~77 ℃ |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25℃) | 5.0~7.5 |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and other organic solvents |
(Data source: Guoli Chemical Product Database)
Application Recommendations
Based on the recommended application areas from Guoli Chemical, the suggested dosages (based on total formulation weight) for various systems are as follows:
- Coatings & Inks (Low-foaming wetting agent): Recommended 0.1% – 0.5%. Add in the later stages of paint mixing to effectively wet the substrate, prevent craters, and without increasing foam.
- Industrial & Household Cleaners (Detergency booster): Recommended 1.0% – 3.0%. Can significantly enhance penetration and detergency, while maintaining low-foaming and easy-rinse properties in hard surface cleaning.
- Metalworking Fluids (Emulsifying & lubricating additive): Recommended 1.0% – 5.0%. First mix into the oil phase uniformly, then combine with water to form a stable emulsion, providing lubrication and cooling performance.
- Textile Dyeing & Printing (Penetrating & leveling agent): Recommended 0.5 – 2.0 g/L (working solution concentration). In the dye bath, it promotes uniform diffusion of the dye solution into the fiber, reducing color spotting.
- Agrochemical Formulations (Emulsifying & dispersing agent): Recommended 2.0% – 5.0%. Helps stabilize emulsifiable concentrates and aqueous suspensions, and enhances the spreading and adhesion of the spray liquid on plant leaves.
- Water-based Adhesives (Surface tension modifier): Recommended 0.2% – 1.0%. Improves wetting on difficult-to-bond substrates, enhances bonding strength, while controlling foam during application.
(Note: The above dosages are general industrial recommendation ranges; optimal amounts should be determined through targeted experiments)
Precautions
When handling and using Polyether L-35, please note the following points:
- The pour point of this product is below 0℃, and it remains liquid at low temperatures. However, for ease of operation, it is recommended to use at room temperature (5℃-40℃).
- The product has some hygroscopicity. If not used up after opening, it should be immediately sealed and stored in a dry, ventilated place.
- Although this product is non-irritating to the skin and has high safety, safety protective glasses are still recommended during operation to avoid mild eye irritation.
- When compounding with other additives, especially anionic systems, compatibility testing is recommended in advance to ensure the stability of the overall formulation.
