Question

What are the main characteristics of Polyether L-64, Pluronic L64?

Answer
2026-05-17 官方文档 聚醚L-64,Pluronic L64

Polyether L-64 is a low-foaming nonionic polymer surfactant that integrates emulsification, dispersion, wetting, and foam control functions, with excellent compatibility and mild physiological properties.

Detailed Description

Polyether L-64 (Poloxamer 184, CAS No. 9003-11-6) is a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid. Its unique molecular structure—with a hydrophobic polyoxypropylene (PPO) segment in the middle and hydrophilic polyoxyethylene (PEO) segments on both sides—endows the product with multiple interfacial activities, making it widely applicable in many industrial fields.

The most prominent feature of this product is its "low-foaming and wetting integration": on one hand, it can rapidly reduce dynamic surface tension, achieving efficient wetting and spreading on various substrates; on the other hand, the foam generation in the working solution is extremely low and defoaming is rapid, making it especially suitable for foam-sensitive processes such as high-pressure spraying, circulating systems, and jet cleaning. This can reduce or even eliminate the need for additional defoamers.

In addition, Polyether L-64 maintains good stability in acids, alkalis, and high-hardness water; it has excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants, and remains active over a wide pH range. It has good toxicological safety, low skin and eye irritation, and is widely used in cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceutical preparations, and other fields with strict safety requirements.

Technical Parameters

ParameterDescription
Chemical TypeNonionic polymer surfactant (Poloxamer type)
CAS Number9003-11-6
AliasesPoloxamer 184, Kolliphor P 184, Synperonic PE/L64
Appearance (Room Temperature)Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Foaming PropertyLow foaming, rapid defoaming
IonicityNonionic
pH AdaptabilityStable over a wide pH range
Water Hardness AdaptabilityInsensitive to hard water ions
GHS ClassificationSkin irritation Category 2 (H316), Eye irritation Category 2 (H320)
BiodegradabilityInherently low biodegradation rate

Application Recommendations

Polyether L-64 has a wide range of functions and can be flexibly applied in the following scenarios based on requirements:

  • Defoamer/Low-foaming Wetting Agent: Used directly as a defoaming component or carrier, suitable for fermentation, food processing, water-based coatings, agrochemical formulations, and industrial cleaning systems.
  • Emulsifier/Dispersant: Used in emulsion polymerization, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates, pigment dispersion, etc., providing excellent emulsifying stability and steric hindrance dispersion effects.
  • Industrial Cleaner: Provides low-foaming detergency and degreasing performance in high-pressure spraying, CIP cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning.
  • Metalworking Fluids: As a low-foaming lubricating and wetting component, it improves the stability and wetting spreading of cutting fluids and grinding fluids.
  • Water-based Coatings and Inks: Acts as a pigment wetting dispersant and dynamic surface tension modifier, reducing foam defects during application.
  • Textile Auxiliaries: Provides low-foaming penetration and leveling functions in pre-treatment, dyeing, and finishing processes.
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Used as a mild emulsifying solubilizer and foam regulator in facial cleansers, makeup removers, shampoos, and body washes.
  • Pharmaceutical Excipients: Used as a solubilizer, emulsifier, and micellar carrier for poorly soluble drugs, improving bioavailability.

It is recommended to add during the cooling or dilution stage of formulation development, with moderate stirring to achieve uniform dispersion. The specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the formulation system and intended function.

Precautions

  • It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation to avoid prolonged skin contact and eye splash.
  • Ensure good ventilation in the use area.
  • If it accidentally gets into the eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, and continue rinsing; if irritation persists, seek medical attention.
  • The product has some hygroscopicity; it should be stored sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoiding extreme temperatures and humidity.
  • Its inherent biodegradation rate in the natural environment is low; direct discharge into water bodies should be avoided.
  • Store separately from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases.