Question

What are the advantages of Polyether L-63 compared to similar products?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚醚L-63

The core advantage of Polyether L-63 lies in its unique trifunctional glycerol ether molecular structure, which significantly outperforms conventional linear block copolymer polyethers in the polyurethane field.

Detailed Explanation

Polyether L-63 (CAS: 9003-11-6) is a polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene glycerol ether initiated by glycerol from Guoli Chemical, with a molecular structure of a three-arm star (C₃H₅O[(C₃H₆O)x(C₂H₄O)yH]₃, molecular weight approx. 3000), featuring three active hydroxyl end groups. This is fundamentally different from other L-series products such as L-44 (Poloxamer 124), L-62 (Poloxamer 182), L-64 (Poloxamer 184), which are linear HO-(EO)x-(PO)y-(EO)xH block copolymers with only bifunctional structures, mainly used as conventional emulsifiers and wetting agents.

The trifunctional structure allows Polyether L-63 to provide three-dimensional crosslinking points in polyurethane synthesis, which is key to imparting excellent resilience and mechanical properties to the final product. In contrast, bifunctional polyethers can only form linear chain segments and cannot build a highly elastic network. Therefore, Polyether L-63 is specifically optimized for cold-cure molding processes and has become a benchmark base polyol in high-end high-resilience foam fields such as automotive seats and furniture cushioning.

In terms of safety and environmental protection, Polyether L-63 performs outstandingly: oral LD₅₀ >5000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic), non-irritating to skin, non-sensitizing, low aquatic toxicity (LL₅₀ >100 mg/L), and readily biodegradable (OECD 301F, degradation rate >60% ThOD), flash point >220°C (non-flammable liquid), with comprehensive safety indicators at a leading level among similar products.

Technical Parameters

ParameterPolyether L-63 (Guoli Chemical)Typical L-series Block Copolymers (e.g., L-44/L-62/L-64)
Molecular StructureTrifunctional glycerol ether (star structure)Bifunctional linear block (PEO-PPO-PEO)
Functionality (hydroxyl groups/molecule)32
Molecular WeightApprox. 3000Approx. 2000-3000 (varies by model)
Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g)54~58Data varies by model (no unified comparison data)
HLB Value7~8Varies with EO content, typically 7~29
Cloud Point (1% aqueous solution)About 34°CData varies by model (no unified comparison data)
Density (25°C)About 1.03Data varies by model (no unified comparison data)
Flash Point>220°C (non-flammable liquid)Varies by model
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (OECD 301F, >60% ThOD)Most are readily biodegradable
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD₅₀)>5000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)Most are low toxicity grade

Application Recommendations

Primary Scenario: Polyether L-63 is the preferred polyol for cold-cure molded high-resilience soft foam, suitable for automotive seats and furniture cushioning. In such applications, bifunctional polyethers cannot replace the three-dimensional network resilience provided by L-63.

Self-skinning and Semi-rigid Foams: Used for automotive steering wheels, armrests, dashboard fillings, etc. L-63 can form an integrated structure with a dense skin and soft core, combining tactile feel, wear resistance, and energy absorption cushioning performance.

Microcellular Elastomers: Suitable for high-performance shoe soles, shock-absorbing pads, etc., imparting high wear resistance, light weight, and fatigue resistance to the material.

Polyurethane Adhesives and Coatings: As a polyol component, it can improve adhesion, flexibility, and weather resistance. However, if only emulsification, wetting, or dispersion functions are needed without polyurethane crosslinking requirements, bifunctional L-series products (such as L-64) may offer better cost-effectiveness; please select according to the specific process.

Precautions

  • Polyether L-63 has low hygroscopicity but should still be stored in a sealed container to avoid prolonged exposure to humid environments that may alter the hydroxyl value and affect reaction stoichiometry.
  • Recommended storage temperature 5~40°C, avoid freezing; after long-term storage, it is recommended to test key indicators such as hydroxyl value before use.
  • When handling, wear chemical protective gloves and safety goggles to avoid eye contact—eye contact is the primary potential exposure risk (may cause mild transient irritation).