Question

How to use Polyether L-44? What is the recommended dosage?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚醚L-44

Polyether L-44 is a water-soluble nonionic surfactant that can be used by directly dissolving in water or organic solvents; the database does not list a unified recommended dosage. The specific amount should be determined through experiments based on the application field and formulation. Industry practice typically ranges from 0.1% to 5% of the total system weight.

Method of Use

Polyether L-44 (Poloxamer 124) appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid and is easy to operate. According to the Guoli Chemical database, this product is soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and other common solvents, and can be directly added to the formulation system under stirring. The specific operation method depends on the application scenario: in polyurethane foam, it is usually used as a foam stabilizer and mixed with polyol, water, catalyst, and other components before foaming; in industrial cleaning and metalworking fluids, it is directly added to the aqueous phase system for dissolution, and if necessary, slight heating can be applied to accelerate dispersion; in agrochemical formulations, it is often premixed with oil-phase raw materials before emulsification; in personal care products, it is generally added in the later stage of the formulation and stirred evenly.

This product is resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water, has good chemical stability, and can be well compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, broadening its applicability in different complex systems.

Key Usage Parameters

ParameterValueSignificance
Ionic TypeNonionicCompatible with various surfactants
HLB Value16Strong hydrophilicity, suitable for O/W emulsion systems
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)Approximately 70°CAffects the upper limit of application in high-temperature systems
Surface Tension (1%, 25°C)Approximately 38 mN/mReflects wetting and spreading ability
Critical Micelle ConcentrationApproximately 0.004% (w/v)Very low CMC, effective even in small amounts
Foam CharacteristicsLow foaming, rapid defoamingSuitable for high-pressure spraying and circulating stirring processes
pH of 1% Aqueous Solution5.0–7.0Neutral range, minimal impact on formulation pH
Density (25°C)1.05–1.06 g/cm³Reference for metering
Viscosity (25°C)Approximately 260 mm²/sReference for pumping and batching

Application Suggestions and Industry Reference Dosages

Note: The Guoli Chemical product database does not provide specific dosage values for Polyether L-44 in various application fields. The following dosage ranges are empirical values commonly used in the industry; the actual dosage should be determined through formulation experiments and performance evaluation:

Application FieldFunctionRecommended Reference Dosage (as percentage of total formulation weight)
Polyurethane Foam (Flexible and Rigid)Foam stabilizer, emulsifier, nucleating agent0.5%–2%
Polyurethane Coatings/Adhesives/ElastomersLeveling agent, wetting agent0.2%–1%
Industrial CleanersLow-foaming surfactant, detergency and emulsification1%–5%
Metalworking FluidsLubrication, wetting, cleaning1%–3%
Pesticide Formulations (Emulsifiable Concentrates, Microemulsions)Emulsifier, spreader2%–5% (by weight of oil phase)
Personal Care Products (Cosmetics)Mild emollient, skin feel modifier0.1%–1%

Precautions

  • It is recommended to conduct small-scale experiments before use to determine the optimal dosage and process conditions, avoiding insufficient dosage leading to poor results or excessive dosage causing foam issues and increased costs.
  • This product has an HLB value of 16, indicating strong hydrophilicity; in oil-based systems, it should be used in combination with low HLB emulsifiers to achieve the best emulsification effect.
  • It is recommended to wear protective goggles and gloves during operation to avoid prolonged direct contact with eyes; if eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with clean water and seek medical attention.
  • Storage temperature should not exceed 40°C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and keep the container tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
  • This product is a non-hazardous chemical, but thermal decomposition may produce irritating fumes; keep away from high-temperature heat sources.