Polyether L-42 (Poloxamer 122) is a high molecular weight nonionic surfactant that is chemically stable under normal temperature and pressure. Its closed-cup flash point is above 200°C, so it is not classified as a flammable liquid. According to the UN GHS classification criteria, this product is not classified as a health hazard or environmental hazard substance. Nevertheless, during actual use, care should still be taken to avoid prolonged skin contact and accidental ingestion, and it should be handled in a well-ventilated environment to prevent discomfort caused by aerosol accumulation.
This product is slightly hygroscopic, so the sealing of the packaging container is crucial. After opening, it should be immediately resealed tightly to avoid moisture absorption or foreign matter ingress that could alter product quality. It is also recommended to control the storage temperature between 5°C and 35°C. Too low a temperature may cause the product to freeze and increase viscosity, while too high a temperature may cause color deepening or property changes.
In formulation applications, the HLB value of Polyether L-42 is approximately 8, and its cloud point is 37°C (1% aqueous solution), making it a low-foaming surfactant. In high-temperature cleaning or processing systems, attention must be paid to its cloud point limitation. When the operating temperature approaches or exceeds the cloud point, the product may precipitate from the aqueous phase, affecting performance. If used under high-temperature conditions, it is recommended to enhance system stability by compounding with other high-cloud-point surfactants.
| Parameter | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 8 |
| Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution) | 37°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0-7.0 |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >200°C |
| Density (25°C) | 1.03-1.05 g/cm³ |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | ~250 mPa·s |
| Pour Point | <-20°C |
| Hygroscopicity | Slightly hygroscopic |
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal temperature and pressure |
With its excellent defoaming and foam suppression capabilities, low-foaming wetting properties, and good chemical stability, Polyether L-42 is widely used in industrial and household low-foaming cleaners, rinse aids for dishwashing, metalworking fluids, defoamer components, wetting and dispersing agents for coatings and inks, textile pretreatment auxiliaries, and pesticide emulsifiers. When adding to formulations, the recommended dosage should be determined through gradient tests based on different application scenarios. Generally, when used as a defoaming or foam control component, the addition amount is low; when used as a main emulsifying or wetting agent, the amount can be appropriately increased as needed.
Due to its HLB value of 8, the product has moderate self-emulsifying performance in water. For preparing O/W or W/O emulsion systems, it should be compounded with other high-HLB emulsifiers to achieve better emulsion stability. During low-temperature seasons, if product viscosity increases, it can be pre-warmed at 20-30°C to restore fluidity before use, avoiding direct heating above 35°C.