Question

What are the main characteristics of 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 that combines excellent emulsifying properties, low foamability, wetting and dispersing capabilities, and chemical stability. It is mild to the human body and classified as a non-hazardous substance under GHS.

Detailed Description

Polyether L-44 is a high molecular weight nonionic surfactant formed by block copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), with a molecular structure of HO(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C2H4O)aH, where a≈12, b≈20, molecular weight about 2200, and appears as a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid. Thanks to its unique block structure, this product exhibits excellent performance in multiple indicators, with an HLB value of 16, superior solubility and self-assembly ability in water, and a CMC value of only about 0.004% (w/v), significantly reducing surface tension at very low concentrations.

As one of the core products of Guoli Chemical, the main characteristics of Polyether L-44 can be summarized in six dimensions: ① Excellent emulsifying properties—forms stable and fine emulsions with various oil phase systems; ② Low foam characteristics—low foam volume and rapid defoaming, especially suitable for industrial scenarios that require minimal foam generation, such as high-pressure spraying and circulating cleaning; ③ Good wetting and dispersing properties—quickly wets solid surfaces, effectively disperses solid particles, and improves system uniformity; ④ Strong chemical stability—maintains stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water systems, with good alkali resistance; ⑤ Versatile compatibility—can be well compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, offering high flexibility in formulation design; ⑥ Mild and safe—acute oral toxicity LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic), primary skin irritation index < 0.5 (non-irritating), non-sensitizing, non-mutagenic, and classified as non-hazardous under GHS.

It is noteworthy that the cloud point of Polyether L-44 is about 70°C (1% aqueous solution), the pour point is below -20°C, and the flash point exceeds 200°C (closed cup), ensuring good fluidity and safety within the normal operating temperature range. This product is not flammable, but thermal decomposition may produce irritating fumes. Storage temperature is recommended not to exceed 40°C, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.

Technical Parameters

Parameter NameSpecification/ValueParameter NameSpecification/Value
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow transparent liquidIonic TypeNonionic
CAS Number9003-11-6Molecular WeightAbout 2200
HLB Value16Cloud Point (1% Aqueous Solution)About 70°C
Active Content≥99%pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0–7.0
Hydroxyl Value45–55 mg KOH/gAcid Value≤0.5
Iodine Value≤1Saponification Value≤1
Density (25°C)1.05–1.06 g/cm³Refractive Index (25°C)1.453–1.457
Kinematic Viscosity (25°C)About 260 mm²/sFlash Point (Closed Cup)>200°C
Pour Point< -20°CSurface Tension (1%, 25°C)About 38 mN/m
CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration)About 0.004% (w/v)Water Content≤0.5%
Heavy Metals≤10 ppmArsenic≤2 ppm
SolubilitySoluble in water, ethanol, ether, etc.
Chemical StabilityStable, incompatible with strong oxidizing agents

Application Recommendations

Based on the six core characteristics of Polyether L-44, its applications cover multiple industrial fields:

  • Polyurethane Foam Systems: Serves as an efficient foam stabilizer for flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid foam formulations, providing excellent emulsification, nucleation, and cell refinement functions to ensure uniform and stable foam. It is recommended to pre-mix thoroughly in the formulation for optimal results.
  • Polyurethane Coatings, Adhesives, and Elastomers: Acts as a leveling agent and wetting agent, improving system surface tension and substrate wettability, reducing surface defects such as craters and orange peel. Recommended dosage should be adjusted according to the specific formulation, typically 0.1%–1% of the total weight.
  • Industrial Cleaning and Metalworking Fluids: Leverages the advantages of low-foam surfactants, suitable for high-pressure spraying and circulating cleaning processes, while providing good emulsifying and detergency capabilities. Can be used in combination with rust inhibitors.
  • Agrochemical Formulations: Acts as a pesticide emulsifier, improving the emulsification stability and dilution dispersibility of emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and other formulations, enhancing the wetting and spreading ability of the spray solution.
  • Personal Care Products: Added as a mild skin-conditioning component in cosmetic formulations to improve skin feel and spreadability, leveraging its low irritancy and good biocompatibility advantages.