Polyether L-61 is a low-foaming nonionic polymer surfactant, with excellent emulsification, dispersion, defoaming performance and wide chemical compatibility as core features, widely used in polyurethane, defoamers, metalworking fluids, textile printing and dyeing, and pesticide formulations.
Detailed Description
Polyether L-61 (Poloxamer 181, Pluronic L-61, CAS number: 25322-69-4) is a nonionic polymer surfactant, specifically designed for industrial systems requiring low foam, high-efficiency emulsification and dispersion. Its unique molecular structure—polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer—imparts excellent interfacial activity and wide compatibility, maintaining stable performance in acidic, alkaline, and hard water environments, making it a versatile multi-functional processing aid.
As a typical poloxamer surfactant, L-61 has a medium to low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, giving it excellent oriented adsorption capability at the oil-water interface. It not only significantly reduces interfacial tension to prepare uniform and fine emulsions, but also generates very low foam during dynamic operations, while possessing certain defoaming capability, offering unique advantages in processes prone to foaming such as circulating pumping and spraying.
In terms of safety, this substance is classified as slightly hazardous to water (WGK 1), with low irritation to skin and mucous membranes under normal operating conditions and low environmental burden. According to GHS classification, precautions should be taken to avoid skin and eye irritation (H315/H319); it is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|
| Product Name | Polyether L-61 |
| Alias | Poloxamer 181, Pluronic L-61, PPG, Polypropylene glycol |
| CAS Number | 25322-69-4 |
| Type | Nonionic polymer surfactant (polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer) |
| Appearance | No data available (usually colorless to slightly yellow liquid) |
| Ionicity | Nonionic |
| pH Adaptability | Wide pH range (stable under acidic and alkaline conditions) |
| Water Adaptability | Resistant to hard water |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foam, with both foam suppression and defoaming capability |
| Water Hazard Class | WGK 1 (slightly hazardous to water) |
| Storage Temperature | 5–40°C |
Application Recommendations
With its balanced surface activity and controlled foam characteristics, Polyether L-61 plays a key role in the following fields:
- Polyurethane Foam: Used as a combined stabilizer, cell regulator, and emulsifier for flexible and rigid foams, improving cell structure and dimensional stability, promoting thorough emulsification of polyol with blowing agents, flame retardants, and other components.
- Industrial Defoamers: Acts as an active defoaming and foam-suppressing component, quickly breaking fine foam, suitable for foam control in coatings, adhesives, papermaking, wastewater treatment, etc.
- Water-based Metalworking Fluids: Provides auxiliary lubrication, anti-foam, and corrosion inhibition functions, offering boundary lubrication while effectively suppressing foam during high-pressure circulation and spraying, extending fluid life.
- Textile Printing and Dyeing Auxiliaries: Used as a low-foaming penetrant and leveling agent, helping dye bath quickly wet fabric, promoting even dye uptake, reducing color differences and patches.
- Pesticide Formulations: Acts as a high-efficiency emulsifier and dispersant, improving the dispersion and emulsion stability of oil-soluble pesticides in water, enhancing adhesion and penetration of the spray solution.
Precautions
- Personal Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber, neoprene) and protective clothing during operation; avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
- Ventilation Requirements: Operate in a well-ventilated area with local exhaust ventilation to avoid accumulation of vapors or mists.
- Storage Conditions: Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, recommended temperature 5–40°C, away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and ignition sources; seal promptly after opening.
- First Aid Measures: Skin contact: wash with plenty of water; eye contact: rinse continuously for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention; inhalation: move to fresh air.
- Environmental Note: Prevent spills from entering sewers, surface water, or soil; dispose of waste in accordance with relevant regulations through qualified agencies.
