Pluronic® EO/PO Block Copolymers
Supplier: BASF
Product Applications: Animal health, Topical drugs, Ophthalmic, Transdermal Drug Delivery, Wound Cleansing, Wound Dressings,
Product Class: Defoamer, Solubilizer, Dispersant, Emulsifier, Surfactant, Wetting,
Product Categories: Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical
Pluronic® EO/PO Block Copolymers
Product Information
Pluronic® EO/PO Block Copolymers are a family of technical-grade nonionic surfactants engineered to deliver multifunctional performance across pharmaceutical and health industry manufacturing applications. By systematically varying ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) block composition, molecular weight, and HLB, the portfolio enables precise control over wetting, emulsification, dispersion, foam management, and solubilization to meet a wide range of formulation requirements.
Unlike conventional nonionic surfactants, Pluronic® block copolymers provide steric stabilization through their unique polymer architecture, helping reduce particle aggregation, improve dispersion stability, and enhance compatibility across complex aqueous and oil-based systems. This versatile chemistry supports applications ranging from ophthalmic and wound care formulations to antiseptic systems and contact lens solutions, where low toxicity, mildness, and reliable performance are essential.
The Pluronic® portfolio includes standard EO-PO-EO and reverse (R) PO-EO-PO block copolymers, so formulators can match both the performance profile and the physical form to their process. Prill grades ship as free-flowing solids that simplify weighing and storage. Across the range, grades are formaldehyde-free, thermally and chemically stable, and made to low residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane levels.
Select grades gel reversibly with temperature. For example, F127 is liquid when cold and forms a gel at body temperature, which supports hydrogel and topical systems that are filled and applied as a liquid.
Key Benefits
- Multifunctional solvent and dispersant
- Low water content with low EO and dioxane content
- Water soluble and oil soluble grades with broad solvent compatibility
- Heat stable with low vapor pressure
- Supports consistent formulation and manufacturing performance
How to Compare Pluronic® Grades:
- HLB – Determines whether a grade is better suited for oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) systems.
- Molecular Weight – Influences viscosity, solubilization, and polymer performance.
- EO Content – Higher EO increases hydrophilicity, while lower EO increases lipophilicity.
- Physical Form –Determines handling and processing fit; available as liquid (L), paste (P), and prill (F).
Use the chart below by searching by grade, form, or keyword, select any column heading to sort, and page through the results.
| Grade | Form | HLB | EO % | Molecular Weight | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L31 | Liquid | 5 | 10% | 1100 | Low-HLB W/O emulsification |
| L43 | Liquid | 7–12 | 30% | 1850 | General emulsification and dispersion |
| L61 | Liquid | 3 | 10% | 2000 | Defoaming in lipophilic systems |
| L62 | Liquid | 7 | 20% | 2500 | Defoaming with broader aqueous compatibility |
| L81 | Liquid | 2 | 10% | 2750 | Strongly lipophilic systems / defoaming |
| L101 | Liquid | 1 | 10% | 3800 | Very low-HLB defoaming applications |
| L121 | Liquid | — | 10% | 4400 | Wetting and emulsification in highly lipophilic systems |
| P104 | Paste | 13 | 40% | 5900 | O/W emulsification and dispersion |
| P105 | Paste | 15 | 50% | 6500 | Higher-HLB O/W systems |
| P123 | Paste | 8 | 30% | 5750 | Antifoaming with emulsification |
| F68 | Prill | 29 | 80% | 8400 | Highly hydrophilic stabilization and dispersion |
| F87 | Prill | 24 | 70% | 7700 | Foaming and emulsification |
| F127 | Prill | 22 | 70% | 12600 | High-HLB emulsification and wetting |
| 10R5 | Liquid | — | 50% | 1950 | Reverse-block defoaming and emulsification |
| 17R4 | Liquid | 12 | 40% | 2650 | Reverse-block emulsification / defoaming |
| 25R4 | Liquid | 7–12 | 40% | 3600 | Reverse-block emulsification / defoaming |
| 31R1 | Liquid | — | 10% | 3250 | Reverse-block defoaming |
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