Polyether L-64 (Pluronic L64) is a nonionic high-molecular surfactant formed by block copolymerization of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, combining excellent low-foaming properties, outstanding emulsifying and dispersing capabilities, and broad compatibility. It is widely used in industrial cleaning, metalworking fluids, waterborne coatings, textile auxiliaries, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Detailed Description
Polyether L-64, chemically known as Poloxamer 184, with CAS number 9003-11-6, is one of the main nonionic surfactant products of Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. Its molecular structure consists of a block arrangement of hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (EO) segments and hydrophobic polyoxypropylene (PO) segments. This unique "sandwich" structure endows the product with excellent interfacial activity—it can efficiently align at the oil/water interface to reduce interfacial tension.
The product also has several common aliases in the market, including Kolliphor P 184, Synperonic PE/L64, among others. As a classic low-foaming surfactant, polyether L-64 generates very little foam in working solutions and defoams quickly, making it particularly suitable for circulating systems and spray cleaning processes that are sensitive to foam. At the same time, it maintains good stability against acids, alkalis, and high-hardness water, and exhibits excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.
In terms of safety, polyether L-64 has low physiological irritation and good toxicological safety. According to the current GHS classification standards, it is only classified as causing mild skin irritation (H316) and eye irritation (H320), making it suitable for applications with strict safety requirements such as cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Product Name | Polyether L-64 / Pluronic L64 |
| Chemical Name | Poloxamer 184 |
| CAS Number | 9003-11-6 |
| Product Type | Nonionic high-molecular surfactant |
| Appearance (Room Temperature) | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Main Aliases | Kolliphor P 184, Synperonic PE/L64 |
| GHS Hazard Classification | Skin irritation Category 2 (H316), Eye irritation Category 2 (H320) |
| Signal Word | Warning |
Note: The product database currently does not contain detailed physicochemical parameters such as HLB value, cloud point, hydroxyl value, or molecular weight. For complete technical specifications, please contact Guoli Chemical's technical support department to obtain the Product Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
Application Recommendations
With its integrated properties of "low foam + wetting + emulsification," polyether L-64 covers a wide range of application scenarios:
- Industrial Cleaning: As a low-foaming wetting agent and emulsifier, suitable for high-pressure spray cleaning, metal parts degreasing, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems, reducing foam interference and improving cleaning efficiency.
- Metalworking Fluids: Provides emulsification, dispersion, and lubricating assistance in cutting and grinding fluids, while effectively inhibiting foam accumulation in high-pressure circulation systems.
- Waterborne Coatings & Inks: Acts as a pigment wetting and dispersing agent and dynamic surface tension regulator, promoting pigment deflocculation, reducing foam defects during application, and improving film surface quality.
- Textile Auxiliaries: Exhibits low-foaming penetration and anti-redeposition functions in scouring, level dyeing, and finishing processes.
- Emulsion Polymerization: Used as a nonionic emulsifier and stabilizer in high-molecular emulsion polymerization to help control particle size and distribution.
- Defoamer: Can be directly used as a defoamer component or as a carrier/synergist in formulations.
- Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical Preparations: Serves as a mild emulsifying solubilizer in facial cleansers, makeup removers, and topical formulations, with good biocompatibility.
Usage recommendation: It is recommended to add during the cooling or dilution stage of formulation development, with moderate stirring for uniform dispersion. The specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the formulation system and desired functionality.
Precautions
- Personal Protection: It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves) during handling to avoid prolonged skin contact and eye splashes.
- Eye Contact Emergency: If accidentally gets into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and continue rinsing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact Emergency: In case of skin irritation, wash and seek medical attention promptly.
- Ventilation Requirements: Maintain good ventilation in the usage area to avoid inhaling vapors or aerosols.
- Storage Conditions: The product is hygroscopic; it should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Under normal temperature and sealed conditions, the shelf life is stable.
- Environmental Note: The product has a low biodegradation rate; avoid direct discharge into water bodies.
