Question

What are the main components of Polyether L-63?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚醚L-63

Polyether L-63 is a nonionic polyether polyol primarily composed of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, belonging to the Poloxamer class of surfactants.
Additionally, the product may contain a small amount of a primary antioxidant (such as BHT or Irganox 1010) to ensure stability during storage and processing.
Under specific process requirements, trace metal catalysts (e.g., potassium acetate) may also be present, but their content is typically low and does not affect the basic performance of the product.

Detailed Description

The core chemical structure of Polyether L-63 (CAS number: 9003-11-6) is a polyoxyethylene (EO)-polyoxypropylene (PO) block copolymer, a triol formed by the polymerization of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in specific ratios and sequences. In its molecular chain, the hydrophobic polyoxypropylene segment forms the middle block, while the hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segments are located at both ends, creating a typical "hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic" triblock structure (i.e., Poloxamer structure). This unique molecular design endows the product with excellent surface activity.

As a nonionic surfactant, the molecular weight, EO/PO ratio, and terminal hydroxyl functionality of Polyether L-63 are precisely controlled, giving it good emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and leveling properties. Its terminal reactive hydroxyl groups can react with isocyanates, which is an important chemical basis for its use as a polyurethane raw material.

The product appears as a colorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid, exhibits good resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, is classified as practically non-toxic, non-irritating to the skin, and readily biodegradable, offering both performance advantages and environmental safety in industrial applications.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
Product NamePolyether L-63
AliasPolyether Polyol L-63, Poloxamer
CAS Number9003-11-6
Product TypeNonionic Polyether Polyol
Main ComponentsPolyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer (EO-PO-EO triblock structure), optionally with minor antioxidants and residual trace catalysts.
AppearanceColorless to slightly yellow transparent viscous liquid
Ionic TypeNonionic
Acute Oral Toxicity LD50>5000 mg/kg (Practically non-toxic)
Skin IrritationNon-irritating
BiodegradabilityReadily biodegradable (OECD 301F, degradation >60% ThOD)
Flash Point>200°C (Non-flammable liquid)

Application Recommendations

Polyether L-63, leveraging its polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer chemical structure, excels in several fields:

  • Polyurethane High-Elasticity Flexible Foam: Used as a core polyol component in cold-cure molding processes to produce automotive seats, furniture cushioning, etc., providing excellent resilience and comfort.
  • Integral Skin Foam: Used to manufacture automotive steering wheels, armrests, headrests, etc., forming an integrated structure with a dense skin and soft core.
  • Semi-rigid Foam and Microcellular Elastomers: Suitable for automotive instrument panels, energy-absorbing bumpers, shoe soles, vibration-damping pads, etc., offering balanced cushioning and energy absorption.
  • Polyurethane Adhesives and Coatings: Used as a polyol component in two-component systems to improve adhesion, flexibility, and chemical resistance.

Precautions

Polyether L-63 is classified as a non-hazardous substance, but it is recommended to wear chemical protective gloves and safety goggles during handling, avoiding eye contact (which may cause mild temporary irritation). Store at temperatures between 5–40°C in tightly sealed containers, away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific safe handling procedures.