Polyethylene-Polypropylene Glycol

General Information

• Product Name: Polyethylene-Polypropylene Glycol
• CAS: 9003-11-6
• Catalog: SUR-NON-024
• Type: L31, L35, L38, L42, L43, L44, L45, L61, L62, L63, L64, L65, L68
• Applications: Detergents, pharmaceuticals, textiles, others

Introduction

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol, a versatile non-ionic surfactant, is composed of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, which create a block copolymer structure. This arrangement imparts the compound with a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic nature, making it highly effective as a surfactant. The molecular weight and the ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide can be adjusted to tailor its properties for specific applications. This chemical compound, characterized by its unique polymer structure, plays a critical role in formulations ranging from detergents to pharmaceuticals, showcasing its importance in both industrial and consumer products.

Characteristics

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol boast a range of characteristics that make it an ideal choice for formulators seeking to create high-quality products:

• Solubility: The compound exhibits excellent solubility in water and various organic solvents, enhancing its applicability in diverse formulations.
• Foaming Properties: Known for its low-foam characteristics, it is ideal for applications.
• Thermal Stability: Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol demonstrates high thermal stability, ensuring its performance in high-temperature processes.
• Toxicity: With very low toxicity, it is safe for use in pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Basic Parameters

* Typical values (not warranted values)

Applications

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol ethoxylates find widespread application in various personal care products, including:

Low-Foam Detergents and Defoamers

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol is widely used in the formulation of low-foam detergents and defoamers:

• Detergents: Polyether variants like L61, L64, and L68 are integral in creating synthetic detergents with low foam and high cleaning efficacy. These detergents are particularly useful in automatic dishwashers and industrial cleaning processes.
• Defoamers: L61 is employed in the paper and fermentation industries to control foam, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency. L68 is critical in medical applications, such as in heart-lung machines, where it prevents air from entering the bloodstream during extracorporeal circulation.

Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol's low toxicity and emulsifying properties make it a valuable ingredient in pharmaceuticals and personal care products:

• Excipients and Emulsifiers: It is commonly used as an excipient in oral, nasal, ophthalmic, and otic formulations. Its emulsifying ability ensures the stability and consistency of these products.
• Shampoos and Sprays: Its presence in shampoos and various sprays enhances product performance, providing effective delivery of active ingredients.

Wetting Agents and Fabric Treatment

As an effective wetting agent, polyethylene-polypropylene glycol is employed in several industries:

• Textiles: It facilitates fabric dyeing, ensuring even and vibrant coloration. In photographic development, it helps in the even distribution of developing agents.
• Sugar Industry: In sugar mills, L68 increases water permeability, enhancing sugar extraction and improving yield.

Antistatic Agents

In the synthetic fiber industry, polyether L44 provides long-lasting antistatic protection:

• Synthetic Fibers: It reduces static buildup, improving the handling and quality of synthetic textiles.

Dispersants and Emulsifiers in Coatings

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol serves as an effective dispersant and emulsifier in various coating applications:

• Emulsion Coatings: It stabilizes pigments and other components, ensuring uniform application and finish.
• Polymerization: L68 acts as an emulsifier in the polymerization of vinyl acetate, contributing to the production of stable and high-quality emulsions.

Industrial and Agricultural Uses

The compound finds extensive use in industrial and agricultural settings:

• Metal Processing: In metal cutting and grinding, L62 and L64 serve as coolants and lubricants, enhancing process efficiency and tool life.
• Pesticides: These variants are also used as emulsifiers in pesticide formulations, ensuring the effective dispersion and stability of active ingredients.

Crude Oil Demulsifiers

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol plays a crucial role in the oil industry:

• Pipeline Maintenance: L64 and L68 prevent scale formation in oil pipelines, ensuring smooth oil transport and reducing maintenance costs.
• Oil Recovery: It aids in secondary oil recovery by breaking emulsions, facilitating the separation of oil and water.

Paper Manufacturing Aids

In the paper industry, polyether L68 enhances the quality of coated paper:

• Paper Coating: It improves the smoothness, gloss, and printability of coated paper, making it suitable for high-quality printing and packaging applications.

Wool Industry Applications

Polyether L65 is particularly valuable in the wool industry:

• Wool Protection: Adding approximately 0.3% of L65 during the wool carbonizing process reduces wool scale damage and increases single fiber strength by 10%. This results in a 10% reduction in yarn breakage, enhancing overall wool quality and processing efficiency.

Packaging and Storage

• Packaging Options: Typically packaged in 200 kg iron drums or 50 kg plastic drums.
• Storage Conditions: Stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Shelf Life: 2 years

Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol stands out as a versatile and indispensable surfactant. Its unique chemical structure and beneficial properties make it an essential ingredient in detergents, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and beyond. Contact Alfa Chemistry today to learn more about our products and how they can benefit your applications.

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