Question

What is Polyether L-44

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚醚L-44

Polyether L-44 (Poloxamer 124) is a high-performance nonionic surfactant, formed by block copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing capabilities and low-foam characteristics.

Detailed Description

Polyether L-44, chemically named Poloxamer 124, also known commercially as Pluronic L-44, with CAS number 9003-11-6, is a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene ether block copolymer produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. Its molecular structure alternates hydrophilic EO segments with hydrophobic PO segments, endowing it with unique amphiphilic properties that enable efficient orientation at oil-water interfaces, thereby exhibiting superior surface activity.

The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid. As a nonionic surfactant, it possesses strong chemical stability and can withstand acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments without easily losing effectiveness. It is well compatible with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, offering broad multifunctional compatibility. Additionally, Polyether L-44 features low skin irritation, no sensitization, and good biocompatibility. Its acute oral toxicity (rat) LD₅₀ is greater than 5000 mg/kg, classifying it as practically non-toxic with high safety for use.

In practical applications, Polyether L-44 widely covers multiple fields including the polyurethane industry (foam stabilizer, coating leveling agent), industrial cleaning (low-foam cleaning agents), metalworking fluids (lubrication and wetting components), pesticide formulations (emulsifier), and personal care products (mild emollient). It is a versatile, safe, and reliable industrial-grade surfactant.

Technical Parameters

ParameterDetails
Product NamePolyether L-44
CAS Number9003-11-6
AliasesPoloxamer 124; Poloxamer 124; Pluronic L-44
Chemical TypeNonionic Surfactant (EO/PO Block Copolymer)
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent liquid
IonicityNonionic
HLB ValueNot available
Cloud PointNot available
Hydroxyl ValueNot available
Molecular WeightNot available
SolubilityMiscible with water and many organic solvents
StabilityResistant to acid, alkali, and hard water

Application Recommendations

Polyurethane Industry: Acts as an efficient foam stabilizer in formulations for flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid foams, providing excellent emulsification, nucleation, and cell refining functions; serves as a leveling agent and wetting agent in polyurethane coatings, adhesives, and elastomer systems to reduce defects such as craters and orange peel.

Industrial Cleaning: Used as a low-foaming surfactant in high-pressure spray and circulation cleaning formulations, offering low foam and rapid defoaming while providing good emulsification and detergency.

Metalworking Fluids: Provides lubrication, wetting, and cleaning effects to help extend tool life and improve workpiece surface quality, with synergistic anti-corrosion properties.

Pesticide Formulations: Used as an agrochemical emulsifier to enhance wetting and spreading of spray solutions, improve emulsification stability and dilution dispersibility of emulsifiable concentrates and microemulsions, thereby increasing efficacy utilization.

Personal Care Products: Serves as a mild emollient component in cosmetic formulations, providing a smooth skin feel and improving spreadability.

Precautions

  • Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves during operation to avoid eye contact or prolonged skin contact.
  • Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling vapors or aerosols generated by heating.
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse at temperatures not exceeding 40°C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, keep containers tightly closed and protected from moisture.
  • Keep away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. Avoid contact with ignition sources (this product is not flammable, but thermal decomposition may produce irritating fumes).
  • In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention; for skin contact, wash with water and soap. Do not discharge waste arbitrarily; comply with local environmental regulations.