How to use polyether L-64, Pluronic L64?

Usage instructions for Polyether L-64 (Pluronic L64): It is recommended to add during the cooling or dilution phase of the formulation, with moderate stirring for uniform dispersion. The specific dosage should be determined through experiments based on the application system.

General addition method

Polyether L-64 is a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid at room temperature, with a viscosity of approximately 900 mPa·s (25°C). It is recommended to add it during the cooling phase or dilution phase of formulation development to avoid performance changes that may result from prolonged high-temperature treatment. Due to its good water solubility and self-dispersibility, it can usually be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous or oil phase with moderate stirring, without the need for special emulsification equipment. For high solid content or high-viscosity systems, pre-dilute polyether L-64 with a small amount of water or solvent before adding to facilitate rapid and uniform mixing.

The product is a nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 15. The pH value of a 1% aqueous solution is between 5.5 and 7.5, maintaining activity over a wide pH range, and it has excellent compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants. The order of addition in the formulation generally does not significantly affect its performance, but to ensure optimal dispersion efficiency, it is recommended to dissolve it in the liquid matrix before adding other solid components.

Recommended dosage and usage methods by application field

Since the Guoli Chemical database does not provide specific recommended dosages for each application field, the following general guidance is based on product characteristics. The actual addition amount should be optimized by the user through experiments based on specific process conditions and performance requirements:

• Industrial cleaning agents (low-foam wetting/degreasing): Used as the main component or auxiliary component of low-foam surfactants, suitable for high-pressure spraying, ultrasonic cleaning, and CIP online cleaning systems. It is recommended to pre-dissolve in the base formula and add with stirring until uniform and transparent. Utilizing its low dynamic surface tension and low-foam properties can reduce or eliminate the need for additional defoamers.
• Metalworking fluids (emulsification/lubrication/low-foam component): In cutting fluid and grinding fluid formulations, add during the emulsification or dilution phase to help improve emulsion stability, suppress foam accumulation in high-pressure circulation systems, and provide certain auxiliary lubrication functions.
• Water-based coatings and inks (wetting dispersant/defoaming aid): Add during the grinding or letdown stage as a pigment wetting and dispersing aid to promote pigment deflocculation and reduce dynamic surface tension; its low-foam characteristic helps reduce foam defects during application, improving leveling and color development.
• Textile auxiliaries (penetration/leveling/anti-redeposition): In pretreatment scouring liquor, dyeing bath, or finishing bath, directly add to the working solution and stir evenly to provide low-foam penetration, leveling, and anti-redeposition effects, reducing foam interference in the processing.
• Emulsion polymerization (nonionic emulsifier/stabilizer): Add before or in the early stage of polymerization as a nonionic emulsifier participating in micelle nucleation and particle stabilization, helping to control particle size and distribution, suitable for systems such as polyacrylate and polyvinyl acetate.
• Cosmetics and personal care products (mild cleansing/solubilization): In products such as facial cleansers, makeup removers, and shampoos, add during the cooling phase of the formulation as a mild low-foam surfactant or foam regulator, and as a solubilizing carrier for active ingredients.
• Pharmaceutical formulation excipients (solubilization/emulsification): Used as a solubilizer or emulsifier for poorly soluble drugs in oral liquids and topical preparations. The optimal dosage should be determined through phase solubility or formulation screening during formulation development.
• Defoamer formulations (carrier/synergist): Can be used directly as a defoamer component or as a carrier in defoamer formulations to quickly break foam in systems such as fermentation and food processing.

Handling and safety precautions

• It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves (such as nitrile rubber gloves) during handling to avoid prolonged skin contact and eye splashes. Thoroughly wash skin after operation.
• Ensure good ventilation in the operating area, and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in the workplace.
• In case of accidental eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water for several minutes; if wearing contact lenses and easy to remove, remove them and continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists, seek medical attention.
• If skin irritation occurs, seek medical advice/attention.
• The product is hygroscopic; seal the container immediately after use and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoiding extreme temperature and humidity conditions.

Technical parameters