Polyether L-64 (Pluronic L64, CAS No.: 9003-11-6) is a nonionic polymer surfactant. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid with an HLB value of approximately 15. It is readily soluble in water, ethanol, and other solvents. Its unique polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer structure imparts excellent low-foaming, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties. It has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants and remains stable in acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions.
Regarding usage, Guoli Chemical recommends adding Polyether L-64 when the formulation system cools to room temperature or during the dilution stage. Uniform dispersion can be achieved with moderate stirring, requiring no special high-speed shear equipment. Since it is insensitive to hard water ions, it maintains activity over a wide pH range, making it suitable for various process systems. For emulsion polymerization, it is typically added together with the aqueous phase during the pre-emulsification stage. For coatings or inks, it is recommended to add it in the later stages of paint mixing to avoid introducing excessive air.
| Parameter | Indicator (Source: Guoli Chemical Product Database) |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 15 |
| Cloud Point (10% Aqueous Solution) | 61°C |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1%/5% Aqueous Solution) | 5.5–7.5 |
| Critical Micelle Concentration (25°C) | Approximately 0.064% |
| Surface Tension (0.1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | Approximately 32 mN/m |
| Viscosity (25°C) | Approximately 850 mm²/s (kinematic viscosity); approximately 900 mPa·s (low shear viscosity) |
| Density | Approximately 1.06 |
| Pour Point | Approximately -20°C |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >230°C |
| Hydroxyl Value | 28–36 |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foaming |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg |
The specific dosage of Polyether L-64 varies depending on the application field and functional requirements. The Guoli Chemical database notes that "the specific dosage must be determined through experiments based on the formulation system and desired function". Below are common reference dosage ranges for various application areas (based on total formulation weight):
| Application Area | Functional Role | Reference Dosage (Requires Experimental Validation) |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Cleaners | Low-foaming wetting agent, degreasing aid | 0.5%–3% |
| Metalworking Fluids | Emulsifying dispersant, lubricant additive | 1%–5% |
| Water-based Coatings/Inks | Wetting dispersant, defoaming aid | 0.1%–1% (for pigment dispersion, 2%–10% based on pigment weight) |
| Textile Auxiliaries | Low-foaming penetrant, leveling agent | 0.5–3 g/L (working solution) |
| Emulsion Polymerization | Nonionic emulsifier and stabilizer | 1%–3% (based on monomer weight) |
| Defoamer Formulations | Defoaming component or carrier | 5%–30% (in defoamer formulations) |
| Cosmetics/Personal Care Products | Mild surfactant, solubilizer | 0.5%–5% |
| Pharmaceutical Excipients | Solubilizer, micellar carrier | Must comply with pharmacopoeia and formulation process requirements; determined based on R&D data |