Polyether L-62 (Poloxamer 182) is a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer. It appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with an active content of ≥99%. Due to its excellent water solubility and low-foaming properties, it is relatively simple to use—in most water-based formulations, it can be directly added to water and stirred to dissolve, requiring no special equipment or processes. For systems that need to be combined with oil-phase components (such as emulsion systems), it is usually first dissolved uniformly in the aqueous phase and then mixed with the oil phase for emulsification.
The HLB value of Polyether L-62 is approximately 7, making it an amphiphilic surfactant. Its cloud point is low (about 32°C for a 1% aqueous solution), which is the key basis for its low-foaming performance. When the system temperature exceeds the cloud point, the solubility of Polyether L-62 in water decreases, surface activity reduces, and foam formation is correspondingly suppressed. Therefore, its foam-suppressing advantage is particularly prominent in processes requiring high-temperature operations (such as spray cleaning, high-temperature dyeing).
Since Polyether L-62 is hygroscopic, it should be sealed and stored immediately after opening. If the product becomes turbid or separates due to low-temperature storage before use, it can be restored to a transparent state by heating to room temperature and stirring evenly, without affecting its performance. For compounding systems with other surfactants, it is recommended to determine the optimal ratio through orthogonal experiments or compatibility tests to fully leverage its synergistic and foam-suppressing functions.
| Parameter Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| HLB Value | 7 |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution) | Approx. 32°C |
| Hydroxyl Value | 40~50 mgKOH/g |
| Density (25°C) | 1.03~1.05 g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | Approx. 400 mm²/s |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.5 |
| Surface Tension (0.1%, 25°C) | Approx. 40 mN/m |
| CMC (25°C) | Approx. 1.1×10⁻⁴ mol/L |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >150°C |
| Pour Point | Approx. -20°C |
According to the Guoli Chemical product database and common industry practices, the recommended addition levels of Polyether L-62 in different application fields are as follows:
| Application Field | Recommended Addition (Weight Percentage) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metalworking Fluids (Cutting Fluids, Grinding Fluids) | 0.5%~3% | Added as a low-foaming lubricating and cooling component, can be used together with other lubricants and rust inhibitors |
| Industrial Low-Foaming Cleaners | 1%~5% | Used as the main or auxiliary agent for wetting, penetrating, and detergency, especially suitable for spray and high-pressure cleaning systems |
| Defoamer/Antifoam Component | 0.05%~0.5% | Used directly as a core antifoam raw material, or compounded with hydrophobic silica, etc., to enhance foam-breaking effect |
| Textile Scouring Agent/Leveling Agent | 0.2%~2% | Added directly to scouring and dyeing baths to improve fabric wetting and leveling |
| Cosmetic Creams/Lotions | 0.5%~3% | Compounded with the primary emulsifier as an auxiliary emulsifier to provide a soft skin feel |
| Pesticide Soluble Concentrates (SL) | 1%~5% | Added directly to the formulation to enhance emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and spreading, avoiding excessive foam during spraying |
| Water-Based Coatings/Ink Dispersants | 0.1%~1% | Added during the grinding or letdown stage to promote stable pigment dispersion and reduce foam in the system |
| Pharmaceutical Solubilization/Suppository Bases | 0.1%~5% | The dosage should be determined experimentally based on the drug properties and target release profile |
Compounding Recommendations: Polyether L-62 can be compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, showing good compatibility. To enhance emulsifying ability, it can be combined with higher HLB surfactants (such as Polyether L-64, isomeric alcohol ethers, etc.); to strengthen defoaming effect, it can be compounded with silicone defoamers or mineral oil defoamers, where Polyether L-62 acts as a "bridge" and synergist.