Polyether L-64 (Pluronic L64), also known as Poloxamer 184, is a triblock copolymer prepared by block copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and ethylene oxide (EO). Its molecular structure is HO(C₂H₄O)x(C₃H₆O)y(C₂H₄O)xH, with a central polyoxypropylene (PPO) hydrophobic segment symmetrically connected to polyoxyethylene (PEO) hydrophilic segments at both ends, forming a typical ABA block structure.
This unique block structure endows Polyether L-64 with excellent amphiphilic properties: the central PPO segment provides hydrophobicity and affinity for oily substances, while the two PEO segments give it good water solubility and hydrophilicity. According to Poloxamer nomenclature, the first digit "8" in "184" multiplied by 100 represents the approximate molecular weight of the PPO segment (about 1750), and the last digit "4" multiplied by 10 represents the mass percentage of PEO segments in the total molecule (about 40%).
The Polyether L-64 produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. has high purity, with an effective content ≥ 99%. It is a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid at room temperature and is a nonionic surfactant. Its hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value is 15, and its cloud point is 61°C (10% aqueous solution), indicating excellent solubility in room temperature water and maintained interfacial activity in medium to high temperature systems.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Chinese name | Polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer |
| Alias | Poloxamer 184, Poloxamer 184 |
| Molecular formula | HO(C₂H₄O)x(C₃H₆O)y(C₂H₄O)xH |
| Average molecular weight | About 2900 |
| Ion type | Nonionic |
| HLB value | 15 |
| Cloud point (10% aqueous solution) | 61°C |
| Effective content | ≥ 99% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.5-7.5 |
| Density (25°C) | About 1.06 g/cm³ |
| Surface tension (0.1%, 25°C) | About 32 mN/m |
| CMC (25°C) | About 0.064% |
| Hydroxyl value | 28~36 mgKOH/g |
| Kinematic viscosity (25°C) | About 850 mm²/s |
Thanks to its unique structure as a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, Polyether L-64 plays a key role in many industries. In industrial cleaning agents, it serves as a low-foaming wetting agent and degreasing aid, suitable for high-pressure spraying and CIP online cleaning. In water-based coatings and inks, it can be used as a pigment wetting and dispersing agent to reduce foam defects during application. In metalworking fluids, it provides emulsion stability and lubrication assistance. In cosmetics and personal care products, it acts as a mild low-foaming surfactant to improve skin feel during use. In pharmaceutical preparations, it utilizes its micelle-forming ability to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Protective gloves and goggles should be worn during operation to avoid prolonged skin contact and eye splashes. Maintain good ventilation in the use area. The product is hygroscopic; seal it promptly after opening and store in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperature conditions.