Polyether L-62 (Poloxamer 182) is a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer nonionic surfactant, appearing as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. It exhibits excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and leveling abilities, and is resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water. Its most notable feature is its low-foaming or even defoaming property, making it particularly suitable for industrial formulations where foam control is required.
Since polyether L-62 is nonionic, it has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants. It can be added directly to the aqueous or oil phase and stirred until homogeneous. If the system requires heating, it is recommended to add it slowly under stirring to ensure full dispersion. Generally, when used as an emulsifier or wetting agent, the recommended addition amount is 1% to 5% of the total formulation; when used as a defoaming/antifoaming component, the addition amount is usually 0.1% to 1%; in metalworking fluids as a low-foaming lubricant component, the recommended dosage is 0.5% to 3%.
No special pretreatment is required before use, but it is recommended to wear protective gloves and safety goggles (see safety instructions) and operate in a well-ventilated area. The flash point of polyether L-62 is greater than 150°C, and it is relatively safe at room temperature, but it should still be kept away from open flames and high-temperature sources.
| Application Field | Recommended Dosage | Addition Method | Key Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metalworking Fluids (Cutting Fluids, Grinding Fluids) | 0.5%~3% | Add directly to the concentrate and stir to disperse, then dilute to working fluid | Low-foaming lubrication and cooling, suppress foam during processing, improve workpiece surface finish |
| Industrial Low-Foam Cleaners | 1%~5% | Combine with other surfactants and add to the aqueous phase with stirring | Wetting, penetration, and detergency, maintain low foam during spray/high-pressure cleaning |
| Defoamer and Antifoam Component | 0.1%~1% (as active component) | Use as core ingredient and compound with other defoaming components | Foam breaking and suppression, suitable for water-based systems |
| Textile Scouring Agents, Leveling Agents | 1%~3% (based on fabric weight) | Add to the treatment bath and stir evenly | Improve fabric wetting and penetration, promote uniform dye uptake |
| Cosmetic Creams/Lotions | 0.5%~3% | Heat the oil phase to melt, then add to the aqueous phase under stirring for emulsification | Mild emulsification and dispersion, provide a smooth skin feel |
| Adjuvant for Pesticide Soluble Concentrates | 2%~5% (based on total formulation) | Add to the oil phase or mixed phase during formulation preparation and stir to dissolve | Enhance emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and spreading, avoid excessive foam affecting application |
| Dispersant for Water-Based Coatings and Inks | 0.5%~2% | Add during the grinding stage and disperse together with pigments | Promote stable dispersion of pigments and fillers, reduce foam in the system, improve leveling |
| Pharmaceutical Solubilizer/Suppository Base | Depends on formulation process | Add according to formulation process requirements | Solubilize poorly soluble drugs, adjust suppository dissolution and release characteristics |
Combination Recommendations: Polyether L-62 can be compounded with various surfactants. In low-foam cleaning formulations, it is recommended to pair it with nonionic surfactants (such as fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether) to enhance detergency while controlling foam. In metalworking fluids, it can be used synergistically with rust inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, etc.
pH Range: Polyether L-62 is resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water, allowing stable use over a wide pH range (approximately pH 3~12), especially suitable for industrial formulations with strong acidity or alkalinity.
Temperature Recommendations: Due to the cloud point characteristics of polyether L-62, attention should be paid when using it in high-temperature systems. If the system operating temperature is high, it is recommended to conduct a small-scale test first to confirm phase stability. Best results are achieved within the temperature range of room temperature to 60°C.