PLURAFAC LF 224

CAS Number: 111905-53-4 (associated with the named commercial product in the manufacturer's product register; the regional SDS may identify the component as proprietary)
EC Number: Not reliably established for the specific commercial grade from the reviewed public product documentation
Molecular Formula: Variable; alkoxylated fatty alcohol distribution, not a single molecular species
Molecular Weight: Variable; no single molecular weight for the commercial product
Boiling Point: Above 100 °C (reported in the February 2018 US SDS; not a precise boiling range)
Melting Point: Not a single pure-compound melting point; representative setting point approximately -5 °C (DIN 51583), with approximately -2 °C solidification reported in the reviewed SDS
Viscosity: Approximately 55 mPa·s at 23 °C (dynamic viscosity, EN 12092/Brookfield LVT, representative technical value)
Density: Approximately 0.96 g/cm3 at 23 °C (DIN 51757, representative technical value)

COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES

Plurafac LF 224
Plurafac® LF 224
Fatty alcohol alkoxylate (generic chemical class)
Butoxylated, ethoxylated alcohol (substance description used in the reviewed US SDS)
Alcohol alkoxylate (broad surfactant-family designation)
Low-foaming nonionic surfactant (functional description)

The listed generic descriptions are chemical-family or functional terms, not proof that every material bearing those descriptions is equivalent to this commercial grade. Product name, manufacturer product reference 30044064, and grade-specific specifications should be retained in purchasing and technical documentation.

WHAT IS PLURAFAC LF 224?

Plurafac LF 224 is a formulated industrial surfactant raw material intended primarily for detergent and cleaner development. It belongs to a family of nonionic fatty alcohol alkoxylates that are engineered to combine some cleaning-related interfacial activity with less persistent foam than many conventional high-foaming wetting agents.

The manufacturer identifies Plurafac LF 224 as a low-foaming nonionic surfactant and highlights wetting, low-foam behavior and, in appropriate mixtures, foam reduction. The statement that a surfactant may be helpful for foam control must be interpreted in the context of a particular formula: foam behavior depends on the entire surfactant system, the water matrix and the mechanical equipment.

Unlike soap or anionic sulfonates, Plurafac LF 224 does not require a permanently charged sulfate or carboxylate group to exhibit surface activity. It is not a disinfectant, antimicrobial active, preservative, pH-adjusting base or builder merely because it is used in cleaning products. Such functions, when needed, must come from other qualified ingredients and validated finished-product performance.

Plurafac LF 224 is a liquid with roughly 100% surfactant concentration in representative technical information. That designation distinguishes it from intentionally diluted commercial solutions; it does not mean a 100.000% chemically pure single compound or establish an independently verified contaminant profile.

CAS NUMBER, REGISTRY IDENTITY AND COMMERCIAL IDENTIFICATION

The manufacturer product register identifies Plurafac LF 224 under product reference 30044064 and lists CAS 111905-53-4. The February 2018 US safety data sheet instead presents its principal butoxylated/ethoxylated alcohol ingredient with a proprietary or trade-secret CAS disclosure and a broad 75-100% composition interval. These two styles of disclosure are not necessarily conflicting: a commercial registry association and a country-specific hazardous-ingredient disclosure serve different purposes.

For the exact grade, no unequivocal EC/EINECS number was verified in the reviewed manufacturer public documents. It would be misleading to borrow an EC number from a chemically related alcohol alkoxylate, or to assign a unique molecular formula to a material whose homologues differ in fatty chain length and the number of alkoxylation units.

When a CAS number is needed for customs, chemical inventory, regulatory or labeling purposes, verify the appropriate identifier against the current SDS and the supplier's formal product documentation. Regulatory status must be assessed for the actual jurisdiction and intended application, and should not be inferred from a searchable registry number alone.

The name Plurafac LF 224 is a commercial-grade designation, not a chemical formula. Product reference 30044064 is useful for requesting the relevant TDS, SDS and batch documentation; it is not a UN shipping number or a certificate of compliance.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

Fatty alcohol alkoxylates contain a hydrocarbon region connected through an ether linkage to a polyether-like chain. A generalized structural illustration is R-O-(alkylene oxide units)-H, where R is an alcohol-derived hydrocarbon segment and the alkylene oxide region may incorporate more than one type of monomer-derived segment. This is a conceptual family representation only, not a measured sequence or exact formula for Plurafac LF 224.

The manufacturer describes its LF family as consisting mainly of alkoxylated, predominantly unbranched fatty alcohols, with higher alkylene oxide units accompanying ethylene oxide units. The reviewed grade-specific SDS uses the description 'butoxylated, ethoxylated alcohol,' supporting a combined hydrophilic/hydrophobic alkoxylate architecture. The precise fatty-chain distribution, EO/BO ratio, average molar mass and sequence of units are not disclosed in the verified public documentation.

The hydrophobic part tends to associate with oils, greasy deposits and hydrophobic interfaces. Ether oxygen atoms within the more polar alkoxylate portion can interact with water; the extent and temperature dependence of that hydration are important to wetting, dispersion and phase behavior. Surfactant molecules then redistribute among bulk liquid, interfaces and any aggregates formed under operating conditions.

This structural balance provides a reason for the observed low-foam and limited-water-solubility profile, but it is not enough to calculate a unique hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value. The manufacturer's North American product guide indicates that the HLB value is proprietary, so a precise HLB number should not be invented or inferred from a neighboring grade.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The following data are representative reported values, primarily from the manufacturer's August 2013 family technical information and its February 2018 US safety data sheet. They are not guaranteed batch limits, a current shipment specification, or values tested by Ataman Kimya; an updated grade-specific TDS, SDS and COA should govern commercial acceptance.

Chemical Nature: Fatty alcohol alkoxylate; described as butoxylated, ethoxylated alcohol in the reviewed US SDS
Physical Form: Liquid at 23 °C
Appearance: Colorless to yellowish liquid (US SDS); family information also allows clear or slightly cloudy appearance
Odor: Product-specific; no verified quantitative odor threshold
Representative Concentration: Approximately 100% (manufacturer's grade table; not a molecular-purity assay)
Manufacturer Product Number: 30044064
Associated CAS Number: 111905-53-4 (manufacturer product finder)
Dynamic Viscosity at 23 °C: Approximately 55 mPa·s (EN 12092, Brookfield LVT)
Dynamic Viscosity at 10 °C: Approximately 110 mPa·s (EN 12092, Brookfield LVT)
Dynamic Viscosity at 0 °C: Approximately 3,500 mPa·s (EN 12092, Brookfield LVT)
Density at 23 °C: Approximately 0.96 g/cm3 (DIN 51757)
Setting Point: Approximately -5 °C (DIN 51583; representative 2013 technical table)
Solidification Temperature: Approximately -2 °C (DIN 51583; reported in the 2018 US SDS)
Boiling Point: Above 100 °C (2018 US SDS)
Flash Point: Above 200 °C (DIN 51758; 2018 US SDS)
Autoignition Temperature: Above 200 °C (DIN 51794; 2018 US SDS)
Vapor Pressure at 20 °C: Below 0.1 hPa (2018 US SDS)
Thermal Decomposition: Above 300 °C (2018 US SDS; not a recommended processing temperature)
pH: Approximately 7 in the published EN 1262 solution-B test; the 2018 SDS reports approximately 7 at 50 g/L
Cloud Point, EN 1890 Method D: Approximately 35 °C (specific butyldiglycol solution test)
Cloud Point, EN 1890 Method E: Approximately 27 °C (specific butyldiglycol solution test)
Cloud Point, EN 1890 Method A: Not reported for this grade in the reviewed 2013 manufacturer table
Water Number, EN 12836: Approximately 13 mL (test-specific indicator, not percent water)
Surface Tension: Approximately 30 mN/m (EN 14370; 1 g/L in distilled water at 23 °C, Harkins-Jordan correction)
Wetting Time at 23 °C, 0.5 g/L: Greater than 300 seconds (EN 1772; distilled water containing 2 g/L soda ash)
Wetting Time at 23 °C, 1.0 g/L: Approximately 240 seconds (same EN 1772 conditions)
Wetting Time at 23 °C, 2.0 g/L: Approximately 200 seconds (same EN 1772 conditions)
Wetting Time at 70 °C, 0.5 g/L: Greater than 300 seconds (same test medium)
Wetting Time at 70 °C, 1.0 g/L: Greater than 300 seconds (same test medium)
Wetting Time at 70 °C, 2.0 g/L: Approximately 180 seconds (same test medium)
Water Solubility: Described as insoluble in the reviewed 2018 SDS; a separate qualitative miscibility entry states not miscible
Solubility in Selected Organic Media: Soluble in ethanol and petroleum spirit according to the reviewed SDS
Particle Size: Not applicable to the marketed liquid form
Refractive Index: Not reliably established in the reviewed public grade records
Shelf Life: Not established as a universal fixed duration in the reviewed documents; confirm current supplier packaging/storage guidance

The different setting or solidification temperatures reflect values in different dated documents and should not be averaged into a fabricated precision figure. Likewise, the lower temperature rise in dynamic viscosity is important for pumping and cold-weather unloading, even though a temporary viscosity increase is not, by itself, evidence of product spoilage.

The cloudy-temperature data are especially prone to misuse. Method D and Method E are tests with defined proportions of surfactant and butyldiglycol solution; their 35 °C and 27 °C results cannot be described as cloud points of a simple aqueous solution or as the temperatures at which every finished cleaner becomes cloudy.

The published wetting-time values show that the neat grade is not necessarily a rapid wetting specialist under the cited standardized test. Its practical merit can instead come from its contribution to a combined surfactant system that needs a low-foam profile, surface tension reduction and controlled wetting.

UNDERSTANDING CLOUD POINT, WATER NUMBER AND TEST CONDITIONS

A nonionic ethoxylate-rich surfactant changes its hydration behavior as temperature, electrolytes and solvent environment change. Cloud point is an operational measure of the onset of turbidity in a specifically defined test medium; it is not an intrinsic transition temperature independent of solvent, surfactant concentration and method.

In the manufacturer's EN 1890 Method D, 5 g surfactant are tested with 45 g of a butyldiglycol solution at 250 g/L. In Method E, 5 g surfactant are tested with 25 g of the same specified solution. The reported LF 224 results of approximately 35 °C and 27 °C are therefore method-dependent observations, not interchangeable values for pure water or saline cleaner.

No Method A result is shown for LF 224 in the cited grade table, which is consistent with caution about its direct water solubility. It would be incorrect to assign to LF 224 the Method A figure for LF 220, LF 221 or a different product simply because these grades appear side by side in one table.

The water number of approximately 13 mL is a specified empirical test response defined by EN 12836. It should not be read as 13% moisture, 13% soluble fraction or a recommended water-addition dosage. To determine actual water content, use a separate validated analytical method and the agreed supplier specification.

HOW DOES PLURAFAC LF 224 WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?

Surfactants reduce the energetic cost of contacting an oily phase with a polar phase by orienting amphiphilic molecules at relevant interfaces. Plurafac LF 224 can thereby contribute to oil/soil removal, interfacial wetting and stabilization or destabilization of dispersed structures depending on conditions and other ingredients.

In a cleaning solution, surfactant adsorption at a soiled surface can assist penetration of the liquid and the separation of certain deposits from the substrate. The removed material then needs to remain sufficiently dispersed or emulsified until it is flushed away. Low foam does not replace detergency: both functions must be tested independently for the full formula.

Foam behavior is determined by creation of air-liquid films, their drainage, interfacial elasticity and the stability of lamellae as bubbles collide. A surfactant engineered for low foam may form films that resist persistence less effectively than more foam-stabilizing materials, or may alter mixed films sufficiently to lower foam volume. The exact contribution of LF 224 depends on the mixture and cannot be reduced to a universal molecular rule.

In certain blends, LF 224 is described by the manufacturer as capable of low-foaming or even defoaming behavior. That is a formulation-specific functional claim, not proof that the material is a silicone antifoam or that every addition to every foaming solution will reduce foam. Screening must include initial foam, foam decay, cleaning efficiency and compatibility.

Hydrophobic hydration also affects performance as temperature rises. A formulation may change clarity or interfacial behavior when it passes a particular clouding condition, while still exhibiting acceptable cleaning in some applications. Performance cannot be inferred from appearance alone or from the cloud point of a reference solvent mixture.

WHICH INDUSTRIES USE PLURAFAC LF 224?

Published manufacturer application information lists industrial cleaning, institutional cleaning and sanitation-related formulations, commercial laundry, dishwashing, kitchen hygiene, and food and beverage processing equipment cleaners. These are categories of cleaning formulations, not direct authorizations for applying the neat surfactant to food, treating drinking water, or claiming antimicrobial efficacy.

Automated equipment is a natural application context because pumps, spray nozzles, recirculation and mechanical movement can entrain air. Excessive foam can interfere with spray delivery, sensor function, rinse efficiency or stable process circulation; controlling foam is therefore a practical formulation target.

Industrial laundries have similar concerns where drum movement and high liquor turnover generate foam. Food-service and kitchen systems also need a balance among oily-soil removal, manageable foam, detergent compatibility and residue-free rinsing. In every case, the actual suitability depends on the complete cleaner, equipment and required regulatory documentation.

Plurafac LF 224 has also appeared in technical discussions of formulation aids outside routine institutional cleaning, including particular agrochemical adjuvant evaluations. Such references do not independently authorize pesticide use or substantiate a claim for every crop, formulation type or market.

PLURAFAC LF 224 IN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING

Automatic dishwashing provides a clear example of the trade-off between cleaning and foam. Spray arms and pumps repeatedly circulate washing liquor, often in contact with fats, proteins, starches and residues from plates or equipment. A surfactant component that adds excessive foam can compromise the hydraulic system even if it gives good laboratory wetting results.

Plurafac LF 224 is identified by the manufacturer within dishwashing-related application categories, making low-foam formulation design a relevant use case. The ingredient may be evaluated with alkaline builders, chelants and other surfactants, but its own water insolubility means blend behavior must be established rather than assumed.

Realistic dishwashing tests should quantify cleaning performance on representative soil, initial foam, foam during recirculation, clarity, phase stability and rinse carryover. A candidate blend that suppresses foam but leaves greasy residues or phase-separates on storage is not a successful formulation.

Supplier guidance does not establish a universal use concentration, a single addition order or a validated dishwashing recipe for LF 224. Dosage should be derived from a specific test plan and the actual active content, water chemistry and equipment characteristics.

PLURAFAC LF 224 IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE EQUIPMENT CLEANING

Food and beverage production facilities use cleaners in systems that may include tanks, conveyors, pipelines and production surfaces. Cleaning-in-place (CIP) uses closed circulation through equipment, while open plant cleaning and some other operations may require distinct levels of foam and different application methods.

Low foam can be desirable in a circulation-based process, particularly when foaming interferes with fluid flow, return pumps or reliable spray coverage. The manufacturer's materials list LF 224 for the broader food-and-beverage processing cleaning category and identify related low-foam solutions, including acidic CIP use cases.

This does not mean that LF 224 itself is a food additive, food-contact approved surfactant in every jurisdiction, sanitizer or biocide. Any use involving food equipment must assess the finished cleaner's regulatory status, specified rinsing procedure, residual limits when applicable, compatibility with metals and elastomers, and local operational standards.

Strongly acidic and alkaline cleaners can present stability and compatibility concerns. The historical SDS lists acids, alkalines, caustics and reactive chemicals among materials to avoid in concentrated storage, so the ability to formulate an acidic cleaning agent must be validated under actual concentration, temperature and residence-time conditions instead of extrapolated from a marketing application category.

PLURAFAC LF 224 IN COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY

Commercial laundry processes expose surfactants to repeated mechanical agitation, detergent builders, changing loads of soil and variable fabric compositions. High foam can be inconvenient where rinse removal, automatic dosing, low-water operation and equipment control are priorities.

As part of a carefully chosen surfactant mixture, LF 224 may help moderate foam without removing the need for adequate washing action. A formulator should separately monitor soil redeposition, fabric compatibility, whiteness or color retention, foam under load, and residue after rinse cycles.

A low-foaming ingredient is not necessarily a superior primary detergent for every fabric or stain. The published EN 1772 wetting times show why evaluating only the pure raw material's rapid wetting would provide an incomplete picture of its value in a blended cleaning package.

The finished laundry detergent may also require compatibility with builders, enzymes, anti-redeposition agents, brighteners and fragrances. No blanket compatibility with each such ingredient is established by the public product information, so performance and storage stability need practical validation.

PLURAFAC LF 224 IN KITCHEN HYGIENE AND FOOD-SERVICE CLEANING

Kitchen cleaners must deal with greasy residues while keeping surfaces, spray equipment and rinse behavior under control. In certain professional systems, excessive foam increases rinsing effort or interrupts automated dispensing and washdown operations.

A low-foaming nonionic component can be considered in formulas for cleaning washable equipment and hard surfaces, provided the final design remains stable and effective. The product should not be described as inherently safe for direct food addition, as a sanitizer, or as a ready-to-use consumer cleaner.

Selection requires attention to greasy-soil type, contact time, cleaner pH, hardness salts, rinsability and surface material. Stainless steel, soft metals, plastics, painted surfaces and elastomeric seals can respond differently to the total formulation even when the neat surfactant itself is relatively low volatility.

The most useful performance comparisons measure grease removal and residual foam at the same cleaning concentration, temperature and soil load. A foam reduction that comes at the cost of poorer removal or unstable dilution is a technical trade-off, not a universal improvement.

PLURAFAC LF 224 IN GENERAL INDUSTRIAL CLEANING

Industrial degreasing and equipment cleaning span a wide range of contaminants, including processing oils, lubricants, particles and mixtures of organic and mineral residues. A surfactant package can assist wetting and the dispersion of certain hydrophobic soils, while builders, solvents, mechanical action and heat may contribute other essential functions.

LF 224 offers a route to evaluating reduced foam where agitation or pumps would otherwise accumulate air. However, direct substitution for a strongly water-soluble nonionic surfactant may alter clarity, soil removal, emulsion behavior and rinsing.

For parts washers and circulating cleaners, practical screening should monitor oil loading capacity, surface cleanliness, corrosion compatibility, foam generation, filter operation and solution life. Results are application-specific; the published physical-property table does not establish a particular cleaner's capacity to dissolve or emulsify an identified industrial oil.

In water-rich formulations, phase behavior needs particular attention because the neat ingredient is characterized as insoluble in water. Hydrotropes, suitable solvents, and other compatible surfactants may modify behavior, but the exact choice and concentration require experimental confirmation and safety review.

FOAM CONTROL AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW FOAMING AND DEFOAMING

A low-foaming surfactant forms less persistent foam than a more foam-stabilizing benchmark under a defined test, whereas a defoamer actively disrupts foam already present. Some materials can do both under particular conditions; others have different effects depending on the mixture, concentration and temperature.

The manufacturer specifically associates LF 224 with wetting and low-foaming or even defoaming characteristics and recommends evaluating it in suitable mixed-surfactant systems. This is useful technical positioning, but it is not a universal defoaming efficiency figure and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed zero-foam result.

An objective evaluation compares foam generation during air entrainment, foam height after agitation, collapse time, foam behavior with soils present and the impact on cleaning. Tests performed with clean water alone may fail to predict behavior in an alkaline wash liquor containing fats, dissolved salts and several surfactants.

Defoamers such as silicone-based emulsions and hydrophobic particles function differently and may affect surface residue, filtration or coating adhesion. LF 224 cannot automatically replace those materials on a gram-for-gram basis, nor should a silicone antifoam be assumed to supply meaningful detergency.

WETTING, SURFACE TENSION AND CLEANING PERFORMANCE

The reported surface tension of approximately 30 mN/m at 1 g/L and 23 °C indicates interfacial activity under the specified analytical test. It does not, by itself, establish very fast penetration into every substrate or immediate wetting of a hydrophobic textile.

The EN 1772 wetting results for LF 224 are relatively slow in the published table: at 23 °C the values are greater than 300 seconds at 0.5 g/L, approximately 240 seconds at 1 g/L, and approximately 200 seconds at 2 g/L. The test medium also contains 2 g/L soda ash, and the temperature and substrate of the standardized test should not be silently generalized to an industrial process.

A formula using LF 224 can still be useful where low foam is the priority and other ingredients provide wetting and detergency. A manufacturer assessing the material should measure spreading on the actual hard surface, contact angle when appropriate, emulsification or removal of greasy soil, and foam profile together.

This distinction prevents an overly broad marketing claim that a low surface tension automatically means an exceptionally strong independent wetting agent. A meaningful technical specification links each claimed effect to a test method, dose and reference benchmark.

WATER SOLUBILITY, PHASE BEHAVIOR AND FORMULATION COMPATIBILITY

The reviewed US SDS describes LF 224 as insoluble and not miscible in water, while listing solubility in ethanol and petroleum spirit. These descriptions concern the neat material under the cited testing framework and do not demonstrate how a complex formulated cleaner will behave in the presence of other ingredients.

An aqueous product may require a co-surfactant, hydrotrope, suitable solvent or modified composition to maintain acceptable uniformity. The need for such support is one reason a low-foaming product may be more attractive in specific mixed systems than as the sole surfactant in a clear water-based cleaner.

The relevant outcome depends on oil content, total concentration, ionic strength, pH, mixing history and temperature. A clear sample immediately after manufacture is not sufficient evidence of storage stability; observe samples after cooling, heating and prolonged storage as appropriate.

An apparent single phase is also not the only measure of effective formulation. Some industrial emulsions are deliberately opaque, and a multiphase system may still be viable if it is intentionally controlled and properly specified. The key question is whether the physical state and performance meet the intended equipment and product requirements.

Published data should not be used to assert a fixed maximum dissolved percentage in all water-based formulations. The SDS qualitative statement and the reported cloud-point methods are distinct forms of information, each useful for formulation screening but not a substitute for application testing.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE, WATER HARDNESS AND ELECTROLYTES

Increasing temperature can change nonionic surfactant hydration and the rate of soil removal, while colder temperatures increase the viscosity of LF 224. The manufacturer's data report approximately 55 mPa·s at 23 °C, 110 mPa·s at 10 °C and 3,500 mPa·s at 0 °C, illustrating how strongly transfer and pumping can depend on storage conditions.

Water hardness and salts can change interfacial behavior, dispersion and phase separation in a finished detergent. The fact that a surfactant is nonionic does not make a formula immune to electrolyte effects, and the presence of sodium salts from builders can complicate clouding or clarity comparisons.

Elevated cleaning temperatures may improve removal of greasy soil in some systems, but a change in phase state can also modify surfactant availability. The reported standardized wetting results at 70 °C are not uniformly faster than those at 23 °C, reinforcing the need to test at the real process temperature.

Any evaluation of an alkaline or acid formula must also address ingredient stability. Published suitability for a cleaning category should not supersede concentrated-material SDS instructions or validate untested reactions and mixing sequences.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

A complete evaluation of LF 224 should look beyond a single laboratory foam number. Useful outcomes include greasy-soil removal, time to wet the target surface, rinse demand, foam generation during circulation, foam collapse after switching off pumps, and the presence of residual deposits.

For pumped systems, excessive foam can manifest as lower effective circulation, unstable suction or difficult level control. The relevant design target is not always absolute elimination of foam: some manual cleaners benefit from visible foam, while automated processes often require low levels of entrained air.

A comparison with an alternative surfactant should control solids or active-matter dosage, hardness, pH, temperature, soil loading and agitation. Otherwise differences can be wrongly attributed to the raw material when they are caused by unequal concentrations or changed formulations.

The liquid's viscosity also affects production efficiency, metering and handling. Density should be taken into account when converting an approved mass-based formula to volume measurements, and the measurement temperature should be stated rather than assuming the ambient-density value is constant.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN PLURAFAC LF 224 HELP ADDRESS?

Plurafac LF 224 can be evaluated where conventional high-foaming surfactants create too much foam in circulating wash systems. The intended benefit is better management of air entrainment without abandoning the use of interfacial agents in a detergent blend.

Plurafac LF 224 may also be considered when a formulation needs an additional nonionic component to modify wetting, oily-soil interaction or foam persistence. The relevant balance can be attractive in commercial dishwashing, industrial cleaning and selected laundry formulations that use several complementary ingredients.

The material cannot be assumed to solve poor detergency, microbial contamination, inadequate corrosion protection, excessive water hardness or all emulsion stability problems by itself. Those issues have separate causes and may require other ingredients, mechanical adjustments or process controls.

Similarly, LF 224 should not be selected exclusively on its reported low-foam character if a product's primary requirement is rapid aqueous wetting. Its water-insolubility designation and standardized wetting times should be weighed against the finished formulation's exact performance targets.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING PLURAFAC LF 224

The largest technical limitation for some formulations is restricted direct water solubility. This is important whenever transparency, single-phase stability or direct dilution into water is a critical acceptance condition. It also means the supplier's application suitability statements should not be mistaken for proof of compatibility with every detergent concentrate.

A second consideration is temperature-dependent viscosity. Material that pours easily at room temperature can become much harder to transfer when cold, even when it is not permanently damaged. Pump selection, line size, unloading temperature and product handling procedures should account for this behavior.

A third issue is the distinction between performance data and guarantee specifications. Published average values—such as surface tension or wetting time—are appropriate for initial technical comparison, whereas contractual acceptance should rely on a formally issued grade specification and a batch-specific certificate of analysis.

Finally, the reviewed US SDS classifies the concentrated ingredient as harmful if swallowed, irritating to the eyes and hazardous to aquatic organisms under the listed system. These warnings remain relevant even if the ingredient is used in products designed for routine industrial cleaning, and they must not be removed on the assumption that surfactants are inherently harmless.

STARTING FORMULATION APPROACHES AND DEVELOPMENT TESTS

A sensible development approach begins by defining the process requirement: lower foam in a circulating cleaner, acceptable grease removal in an automatic dishwasher, or controlled foam in a textile-washing liquor. Select a current supplier grade, obtain the TDS and SDS, and establish benchmark formulas under the same water conditions and active-matter basis.

Because LF 224 is not described as directly water soluble, the next step is to investigate compatible formulation partners rather than assuming simple dilution yields a homogeneous product. Candidate surfactants, hydrotropes, solvents and builders should be chosen for the intended application and tested for phase behavior, regulatory suitability and stability.

Small-scale screening can compare foam formation and collapse, clouding, viscosity changes during dilution, turbidity on cooling and cleaning on representative soiled surfaces. Follow promising results with application-equipment tests that reproduce real residence time, temperature, agitation and soil loading.

No verified universal percentage, dosing sequence, heating profile or process duration was identified in the public information sufficient to present a ready-to-use LF 224 formula. Manufacturing instructions and acceptance limits should come from validated product-development work, not from an invented example.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND ALTERNATIVES

Other grades of low-foaming alcohol alkoxylates can offer different combinations of water solubility, viscosity, cloud-point behavior and wetting speed. Even within a single LF family, the published tables show that some materials have water-based cloud points while others, including LF 224, are reported primarily under solvent-assisted cloud-point methods.

A water-soluble low-foam nonionic surfactant may be a simpler starting point where a clear aqueous concentrate is essential. Conversely, a more hydrophobic low-foam grade may be advantageous in carefully balanced mixtures where foam control is weighted heavily. Neither choice is inherently better across all systems.

More strongly hydrophilic alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl polyglucosides and selected amphoteric surfactants can provide useful detergency or wetting, but their foam profiles may differ. Combining surfactants may create better balance than replacing LF 224 with a single alternative, provided compatibility is validated.

Silicone and non-silicone antifoams are a separate class of foam-control aids. They can suppress existing foam in some processes but are not direct chemical equivalents to alcohol alkoxylates and may have different effects on rinse residues, emulsification or downstream processing.

When substituting a candidate, compare equal active matter, concentration, viscosity, foam stability, interfacial behavior, cleaner appearance, material compatibility, hazard labeling and delivered cost. A shared generic chemical class or CAS-related description does not prove drop-in interchangeability.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR PLURAFAC LF 224

The following examples illustrate how PLURAFAC LF 224 can be evaluated in detergent formulation research and industrial cleaning process development. PLURAFAC LF 224 is a commercial low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on a fatty alcohol alkoxylate. BASF identifies PLURAFAC LF 224 as a liquid surfactant intended for applications including dishwashing, commercial laundry, institutional cleaning, and industrial cleaning. Its foam-control behavior, including possible foam suppression in compatible surfactant blends, makes PLURAFAC LF 224 a candidate for cleaning systems in which excessive foam can interfere with operation.

These examples are preliminary laboratory screening approaches, not validated commercial recipes, production instructions, or guarantees of cleaning, defoaming, or regulatory performance. The stated levels refer to PLURAFAC LF 224 as supplied and are illustrative starting concentrations by total formulation weight. Surfactant compatibility, concentration, water hardness, pH, temperature, clouding behavior, and the other ingredients can change performance substantially. Each proposed system requires laboratory testing, stability and compatibility assessment, occupational-safety review, and applicable regulatory checks. A product containing PLURAFAC LF 224 must not be presented as disinfecting or sanitizing unless the finished product has the required efficacy evidence and authorizations.

EXAMPLE 1: PLURAFAC LF 224 CONCENTRATION SCREENING IN AN AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING RINSE-AID CONCENTRATE

Objective: To investigate how the PLURAFAC LF 224 concentration affects foam generation, water drainage, spotting, film formation, and physical stability in a preliminary automatic dishwashing rinse-aid concentrate.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 224: approximately 1.0%, 2.0%, and 3.0% by weight, evaluated as separate screening levels.

Compatible low-foaming co-surfactant, if required: approximately 0.5–1.5%, held constant in the initial comparison.

Hydrotrope or coupling agent (for example, a suitable sodium cumene sulfonate grade): approximately 1–3%, held constant.

Citric acid or another compatible acidity regulator: approximately 0.2–0.6%, adjusted to a laboratory pH target rather than treated as a fixed requirement.

Preservative system, if required by the finished formula: at a validated and legally permitted level.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

Illustrative concentrate pH target: approximately 3.5–5.5, subject to equipment compatibility and the selected ingredients.

The PLURAFAC LF 224 levels are screening points, not universal rinse-aid use recommendations. A nonionic surfactant's cloud point, compatibility, and foam behavior depend on the complete formula, particularly when the concentrate is diluted into hot or hard water.

Application approach:

1. Charge demineralized water into a clean, chemically compatible laboratory vessel and begin moderate agitation.

2. Add the selected hydrotrope and any compatible water-soluble components, allowing sufficient time for uniform distribution.

3. Introduce PLURAFAC LF 224 gradually under controlled mixing. Add the fixed co-surfactant level if it is part of the study design.

4. Adjust the pH using the selected acidity regulator, complete the batch weight with water, and document any turbidity or phase separation.

5. Evaluate initial appearance, pH, viscosity, low-temperature and elevated-temperature storage behavior, and foam generation under standardized agitation.

6. Dose each PLURAFAC LF 224 concentrate into a controlled laboratory dishwashing or rinsing test using the same dilution, water hardness, rinse temperature, and test ware.

7. Compare drainage, drying behavior, visible spotting, filming, and residual foam on representative glass, ceramic, and compatible plastic surfaces.

8. Select the PLURAFAC LF 224 level that offers the best measured balance between foam control, drying performance, and concentrate stability for further validation.

Safety consideration: Follow the current PLURAFAC LF 224 safety data sheet and wear appropriate eye and hand protection. Avoid generating spray or mist unnecessarily and assess compatibility with the equipment and other formulation ingredients. Rinse-aid evaluation does not establish compliance for food-contact applications; final rinse conditions, residues, labeling, and relevant regulations require separate verification.

EXAMPLE 2: PLURAFAC LF 224 DOSAGE EVALUATION IN A LOW-FOAM ALKALINE INDUSTRIAL CLEANER

Objective: To examine how PLURAFAC LF 224 dosage influences foam height, oily-soil removal, wetting, rinsability, and storage behavior in a water-based alkaline cleaner intended for compatible industrial hard surfaces or recirculating equipment.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 224: approximately 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by weight, evaluated as separate screening levels.

Sodium carbonate or another compatible alkaline builder: approximately 0.3–0.7%, held constant.

Sodium metasilicate or another suitable cleaning builder, if material-compatible: approximately 0.2–0.6%, held constant.

Chelating or water-conditioning agent (for example, a suitable GLDA grade): approximately 0.2–0.5%, held constant, with supplied active matter accounted for.

Hydrotrope, if needed for phase stability: approximately 0.5–2.0%, held constant.

pH-adjusting agent: as needed for an illustrative working-formula pH of approximately 10.5–11.5.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

These PLURAFAC LF 224 concentrations are intended for comparative bench trials. The surfactant level giving the lowest foam does not necessarily provide the best grease removal. Alkalinity, substrate compatibility, water hardness, and circulation conditions must be considered together.

Application approach:

1. Select standardized hard-surface test panels and apply a reproducible amount of the target oily or particulate soil.

2. Introduce demineralized water into a compatible mixing vessel and dissolve the selected alkaline builders under controlled stirring.

3. Add the water-conditioning agent and hydrotrope, if included, and verify that the aqueous phase remains compatible.

4. Incorporate PLURAFAC LF 224 gradually. Maintain the same mixing conditions for every formulation and record any haze, clouding, or phase separation.

5. Adjust pH if required and complete each laboratory blend to the final batch weight with demineralized water.

6. Evaluate PLURAFAC LF 224 cleaning solutions under standardized circulation or agitation conditions and measure foam height, foam persistence, and time to foam collapse.

7. Conduct comparative cleaning tests at fixed product dosage, temperature, exposure time, and agitation. Quantify soil removal by a reproducible gravimetric or surface-cleanliness method, and assess rinsability.

8. Compare the PLURAFAC LF 224 levels and carry out additional stability and material-compatibility testing before recommending a pilot-scale operating range.

Safety consideration: Alkaline cleaning formulations can cause significant eye and skin exposure hazards and may attack sensitive metals, coatings, seals, or plastics. Use appropriate protective equipment, ventilation, and controlled handling. Check the current PLURAFAC LF 224 safety information and the compatibility of the complete cleaner. Do not assume that a low-foaming surfactant eliminates aerosol, exposure, or wastewater-management risks.

EXAMPLE 3: PLURAFAC LF 224 FOAM-CONTROL SCREENING IN A COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY LIQUID DETERGENT

Objective: To assess whether PLURAFAC LF 224 can reduce excessive foam while maintaining soil removal and fabric compatibility in a preliminary liquid detergent containing anionic and alkyl polyglucoside surfactants.

Starting components:

PLURAFAC LF 224: approximately 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% by weight, evaluated as separate screening levels.

Anionic cleaning surfactant (for example, a suitable sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate formulation): approximately 2–4% active matter, held constant.

Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) surfactant: approximately 2–4% active matter, held constant.

Sodium citrate or another builder: approximately 1–2%, held constant.

Chelating agent: approximately 0.2–0.5%, held constant, with the supplied concentration considered.

Hydrotrope, if needed to maintain a uniform liquid: approximately 0.5–2.0%, held constant.

Compatible preservative system: as required after microbiological assessment.

pH-adjusting agent: as required for an illustrative pH of approximately 8.0–9.5.

Demineralized water: balance to 100% by weight.

PLURAFAC LF 224 is evaluated here as a component of a mixed-surfactant system, not as a replacement for every detergent ingredient. BASF describes foam-control benefits in compatible combinations with other surfactants, but the actual outcome must be established for the selected anionic and APG grades. All stated percentages must be reconciled into a complete 100% formula before testing.

Application approach:

1. Prepare a clean aqueous base and dissolve the builder and chelating agent in demineralized water.

2. Add the anionic surfactant and APG gradually, accounting for the active-matter concentration of each supplied raw material.

3. Introduce PLURAFAC LF 224 at the selected screening level while maintaining a constant surfactant base in the other trial formulations.

4. Add the chosen hydrotrope or preservative, if required, adjust pH, and complete the formulation with water.

5. Measure appearance, viscosity, phase stability, and foam volume under standardized laboratory agitation and water-hardness conditions.

6. Run controlled laundering tests using representative textile loads and standardized soils, keeping detergent dosage, washing temperature, cycle, and water hardness constant.

7. Compare PLURAFAC LF 224 formulations for soil-removal performance, foam control, redeposition, rinsing behavior, and changes in fabric appearance or color.

8. Assess storage stability and preservative efficacy, then select the PLURAFAC LF 224 concentration that gives the most suitable foam and cleaning balance for continued development.

Safety consideration: Commercial laundry concentrates may irritate the eyes and skin and require a finished-product safety and labeling assessment. Avoid uncontrolled mixing with incompatible chemicals, particularly concentrated oxidizers or reactive cleaning agents. Verify textile compatibility, wastewater requirements, and any product claims through appropriate testing. PLURAFAC LF 224 does not itself establish disinfectant performance.

QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA

The buyer should specify the complete commercial name Plurafac LF 224 and, where relevant, the manufacturer product number 30044064. Generic descriptions such as 'fatty alcohol alkoxylate' are too broad to establish equivalent product performance because related substances can have markedly different molecular distributions and surfactant properties.

A technical data sheet (TDS) summarizes product characteristics and representative performance methods. A safety data sheet (SDS) communicates hazards, first aid, storage and transport information under a particular regulatory system. A certificate of analysis (COA) supplies measurements or confirmations associated with a specific batch under the agreed specification.

Incoming quality checks can reasonably review container identification, clarity or appearance, odor, delivery quantity, mass or volume, and any specification-linked measures provided by the supplier. If the formulation is sensitive to viscosity, compare a sample using a controlled method and temperature rather than an uncalibrated visual impression.

Consider whether key measurements need to include assay or active content, moisture, viscosity, density, pH and a cloud-point or foam-test indicator. Not all such properties are automatically release specifications: the approved contract or COA should state which tests are actually required and their acceptance bands.

Documented traceability matters for investigation of phase instability or process variation. Record batch number, storage history, packaging condition and the processing conditions of each trial, especially where the application relies on a finely tuned surfactant balance.

Commercial discussions may include available packaging options, supply quantities, sample requirements and the specific documentation needed for the target country. Neither the existence of a product name nor general technical information proves current stock, manufacturing origin, a specific certificate or guaranteed delivery terms.

REGULATORY AND APPLICATION-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

Manufacturer application lists include food-and-beverage processing and food-service kitchen hygiene, but these categories describe the types of cleaners in which the surfactant might be evaluated. They do not constitute blanket approval for intentional addition to foods, direct food-contact formulations, drinking-water treatment, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.

For use in food-processing facilities, verify the relevant local rules for cleaning agents, indirect contact and rinse requirements. Additional documentation may be required to establish compliance with plant hygiene programs or a particular customer standard.

A marketing reference to institutional sanitation-related cleaning must not be turned into a claim that the ingredient kills microorganisms. Disinfectant or biocidal claims belong to finished products supported by approved actives, efficacy data and any required regulatory authorization.

A sustainability statement, biodegradability claim or chemical-inventory entry should likewise be connected to the exact test, legal framework and grade. The reviewed older SDS reports ready biodegradability based on referenced data; it does not mean the concentrated product can be discharged directly to drains or streams.

FIRST AID

Inhalation
If Plurafac LF 224 mist or aerosol is inhaled, move the exposed person to fresh air and keep them at rest. The reviewed US SDS advises medical attention, especially if respiratory symptoms develop or persist; emergency evaluation is appropriate for significant breathing difficulty.

Skin Contact
If Plurafac LF 224 contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice if redness, pain or irritation appears or continues, and clean contaminated work clothing before reuse.

Eye Contact
If Plurafac LF 224 enters the eyes, begin rinsing immediately with running water, keeping the eyelids open, for at least 15 minutes as instructed in the reviewed US SDS. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove, continue rinsing and obtain prompt assessment by an eye-care professional because the concentrate is classified as an eye irritant.

Ingestion
If Plurafac LF 224 is swallowed, rinse the mouth and obtain medical advice promptly; the reviewed US SDS additionally directs giving 200-300 mL of water to an alert person able to swallow safely. Do not induce vomiting, and do not give anything by mouth to a drowsy or unconscious person.

Note to Physicians
Following significant Plurafac LF 224 exposure, medical treatment is supportive and directed at the person's clinical condition. The reviewed SDS does not identify a specific antidote; the clinician should consult the latest regional SDS and poison-information resources for the actual supplied grade.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling
Handle Plurafac LF 224 as an industrial chemical, minimizing splashes, mist and accidental ingestion. Use hygienic transfer procedures, keep containers closed when not in use and prevent release onto walking surfaces, since even a modest spill may cause severe slipping hazards.

Engineering Controls
Where Plurafac LF 224 is transferred in bulk, design metering and mixing equipment to avoid uncontrolled splashing or fine aerosol generation. Provide workplace ventilation appropriate to the task and access to suitable washing or eyewash facilities.

Eye and Face Protection
For Plurafac LF 224 concentrate, the reviewed SDS specifies tight-fitting chemical safety goggles and a face shield. Protective measures should be matched to exposure potential and the safety requirements of the handling operation.

Skin and Hand Protection
Use chemical-resistant gloves and appropriate work clothing when handling Plurafac LF 224. Select glove materials and breakthrough times with reference to supplier guidance, the actual handling period and the current site risk assessment.

Respiratory Protection
Routine handling of Plurafac LF 224 in adequately ventilated systems may not require the same control measures as aerosol-generating operations. Where ventilation is insufficient or respirable mist forms, use respiratory protection chosen under a workplace respiratory-protection program and the current SDS.

Storage
Store Plurafac LF 224 in tightly closed containers in a dry location, protected from uncontrolled contamination and excessive heat. The February 2018 US SDS states that frost does not damage the product but warns against temperatures above 70 °C, because irreversible property changes may occur; this is a storage limit reference, not a target operating temperature.

Container Materials
The reviewed US SDS lists LDPE, HDPE, carbon steel, glass, aluminium and tinned carbon steel as suitable containers for Plurafac LF 224. The suitability of a particular pump seal, liner or long-term packaging system should still be confirmed under the real temperature and service conditions.

Material Compatibility
Keep Plurafac LF 224 away from incompatible substances identified in the SDS, including strongly reactive chemicals, caustics or alkaline materials, acids and halogens in inappropriate concentrated contact. Any intentional use in an acidic or alkaline finished cleaner requires formulation validation; an end-use category does not replace compatibility testing.

Spill Procedures
For a small Plurafac LF 224 spill, use suitable absorbent material and collect residues for proper disposal; the SDS mentions general-purpose binder, sand or sawdust as examples. For larger releases, safely contain the liquid and recover it by appropriate pumping equipment, while controlling slippery floors and exposure.

Environmental Precautions
Prevent Plurafac LF 224 from entering drains, streams, surface water or groundwater. A report of biodegradability does not eliminate aquatic toxicity, wastewater restrictions or the need to contain accidental releases.

Fire Response
The reviewed SDS lists water spray, foam and dry powder as suitable extinguishing media for fires involving Plurafac LF 224. Firefighters should use protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus where necessary because hazardous fumes and carbon oxides can arise during combustion.

Waste Disposal
Dispose of unwanted Plurafac LF 224, used absorbents and contaminated packaging according to the rules governing the actual waste stream and jurisdiction. Do not treat an industrial surfactant concentrate as ordinary drain-cleaning liquid or assume every emptied container is safe for unrelated reuse.

SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

The February 2018 US SDS classifies Plurafac LF 224 under OSHA hazard communication as Acute Toxicity Category 4 (oral), Eye Irritation Category 2A, Aquatic Acute Category 2 and Aquatic Chronic Category 3. Its stated warning phrases include H302 (harmful if swallowed), H319 (causes serious eye irritation), H401 (toxic to aquatic life) and H412 (harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects). This is a dated US SDS classification, not a guarantee that every current regional label uses identical categories or wording.

The same SDS describes the neat material as a liquid with a flash point above 200 °C and vapor pressure below 0.1 hPa at 20 °C. Such properties should not be confused with a claim of complete noncombustibility or absolute safety during heating; decomposition products and fire conditions remain relevant.

Its environmental section states that the product is readily biodegradable according to OECD criteria, with referenced elimination data of at least 90% in a modified OECD 303A approach and more than 60% theoretical carbon dioxide formation over 28 days in an OECD 301B test. The SDS also notes that certain environmental statements are inferred from related substances or products, so such claims should be cited with their precise test and qualification in formal declarations.

The published toxicity information includes a rat oral LD50 estimate greater than 300 and below 2,000 mg/kg, explicitly noted as extrapolated from similar products rather than determined by direct testing of the grade. Such ranges should not be repackaged as a measured single-number LD50 for Plurafac LF 224.

The February 2018 US SDS lists Plurafac LF 224 as not classified as dangerous goods for USDOT, IMDG and IATA/ICAO transport. A UN number, transport hazard class and packing group therefore are not assigned in that SDS, but shipment documentation must be checked against the current grade-specific regional SDS and applicable transport rules.

A concentration that has been incorporated into a finished cleaner may have a different hazard classification from the neat raw material. Finished-product safety decisions require assessment of all ingredients, their concentrations and any relevant test results, rather than copying the raw-material label unchanged.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PLURAFAC LF 224

What is Plurafac LF 224?
Plurafac LF 224 is a commercial liquid, low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on a fatty alcohol alkoxylate. It is mainly relevant to industrial and institutional detergent formulation, where wetting and foam control need to be balanced.

What is the chemical class of Plurafac LF 224?
Plurafac LF 224 belongs to the alcohol alkoxylate family. The reviewed US SDS describes its principal ingredient as a butoxylated, ethoxylated alcohol rather than a structurally uniform pure compound.

Is Plurafac LF 224 an anionic surfactant?
No. Its stated commercial classification is nonionic, meaning its normal surfactant behavior does not rely on a permanently charged sulfate or sulfonate head group.

What is the CAS number of Plurafac LF 224?
The manufacturer's product finder associates CAS 111905-53-4 with this grade. For regulatory documentation, verify the CAS disclosure and identity required by the current SDS in the destination market.

Why does the SDS use a proprietary ingredient description?
The reviewed 2018 US SDS lists a butoxylated, ethoxylated alcohol with a trade-secret CAS disclosure and a broad weight interval. That disclosure format should not be mistaken for proof that the grade is a single chemical molecule or for a contradiction of a product-register CAS association.

What is the EC number of Plurafac LF 224?
A unique EC/EINECS identifier for the exact commercial grade was not reliably established in the reviewed public documentation. An EC number for a related alcohol alkoxylate must not be copied without verification.

Does Plurafac LF 224 have a molecular formula?
No single formula describes the full commercial grade because alkoxylated fatty alcohols are distributed across molecular species. A generalized fatty-alcohol polyether structure is chemically helpful but not a unique analytical identity.

What is the molecular weight of Plurafac LF 224?
A single molecular weight cannot be assigned responsibly from the reviewed product documents. Detailed average molecular-weight information would require the appropriate manufacturer disclosure or analytical characterization.

Does Plurafac LF 224 contain ethylene oxide-derived segments?
The manufacturer describes the product family as alkoxylated alcohols containing ethylene oxide units and higher alkylene oxides. The reviewed SDS description is consistent with ethoxylated and butoxylated alcohol chemistry, but the exact unit ratio is not publicly specified here.

Is Plurafac LF 224 an ethoxylate or a propoxylate?
Plurafac LF 224 is more accurately identified by its manufacturer designation as a fatty alcohol alkoxylate; the reviewed US SDS explicitly describes butoxylated and ethoxylated alcohol. Do not assume an exact EO/PO or EO/BO block structure without grade-specific structural evidence.

Is Plurafac LF 224 supplied as a liquid?
Yes. The manufacturer reports a liquid at 23 °C, and the reviewed SDS describes a colorless-to-yellowish liquid.

What is the representative active concentration?
The published family technical table shows approximately 100% concentration for LF 224. This is a commercial grade descriptor, not a guarantee of 100% molecular purity or absence of minor constituents.

What is the density of Plurafac LF 224?
Approximately 0.96 g/cm3 at 23 °C according to the published representative data. Density should be checked at the actual temperature used for mass-to-volume conversion.

What is the dynamic viscosity at 23 °C?
Approximately 55 mPa·s under the cited EN 12092 Brookfield LVT method. The value is representative and should not be treated as an unconditional lot-release limit.

How does cold temperature affect Plurafac LF 224 viscosity?
The reported viscosity of Plurafac LF 224 rises to approximately 110 mPa·s at 10 °C and approximately 3,500 mPa·s at 0 °C. Such increases matter for pump selection and unloading time.

What is the setting point of Plurafac LF 224?
A representative August 2013 technical table reports about -5 °C using DIN 51583. A reviewed February 2018 SDS gives approximately -2 °C as the solidification temperature, so users should not combine the numbers into one artificial precision value.

Does freezing permanently damage Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed US SDS states that low temperatures or frost do not damage Plurafac LF 224. It remains appropriate to inspect homogeneity and handling properties after warming or storage changes.

What is the boiling point of Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed SDS states above 100 °C, not a precise distillation range. Its chemistry is a distribution of alkoxylated species rather than a single low-boiling solvent.

What is the flash point of Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed US SDS lists a flash point above 200 °C using DIN 51758. This does not make the material immune to combustion or thermal decomposition in a fire.

What is the vapor pressure of Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed SDS reports less than 0.1 hPa at 20 °C. Control of spray mist and splashing can still be important even when volatility is low.

What is the pH of Plurafac LF 224?
The referenced test reports approximately pH 7 for the specified solution or method, including the SDS measurement at 50 g/L. pH is meaningful only with a specified test preparation for this nonaqueous raw material.

Is Plurafac LF 224 soluble in water?
The reviewed US SDS describes it as insoluble and not readily miscible with water. This does not exclude useful surfactant behavior in a formulated blend containing appropriate co-ingredients.

Does Plurafac LF 224 dissolve in ethanol?
The reviewed SDS lists ethanol as a solvent in which Plurafac LF 224 is soluble. Real-world formula compatibility must still be checked for solvent concentration, temperature and other components.

Can Plurafac LF 224 produce clear water-based detergents?
Potentially in properly developed mixtures, but the neat ingredient's insolubility means clarity should not be assumed. Hydrotrope, solvent or co-surfactant selection and stability testing are necessary.

What is the cloud point of Plurafac LF 224?
Approximately 35 °C by EN 1890 Method D and 27 °C by Method E in the cited manufacturer table. Both methods use specified butyldiglycol solutions; neither value is a pure-water cloud point.

What is the Method A cloud point of Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed 2013 manufacturer table does not provide a Method A value for this grade. A Method A value from another Plurafac product should not be transferred to LF 224.

Why can different cloud-point measurements disagree?
Cloud point changes with test solvent, water content, surfactant concentration and electrolyte conditions. Consequently, numbers from Methods D and E should be compared only with values obtained under equivalent methods.

What does the water number of about 13 mL mean?
It is an EN 12836 empirical test value, not the percentage of water in the product. The test definition must accompany the number when it is used for comparison or acceptance.

What is the surface tension of Plurafac LF 224?
The manufacturer reports approximately 30 mN/m at 1 g/L in distilled water at 23 °C using EN 14370 and the Harkins-Jordan correction. That is a specified test result, not the value of every formulation containing the grade.

Is Plurafac LF 224 a fast wetting agent?
Not necessarily as a stand-alone raw material under the cited EN 1772 conditions. The published wetting times at 23 °C are above 300 seconds at 0.5 g/L, about 240 seconds at 1 g/L, and about 200 seconds at 2 g/L.

Why use Plurafac LF 224 if its wetting test is relatively slow?
The main performance target may be foam management in a mixed-surfactant cleaning system. Other ingredients can contribute rapid wetting while LF 224 helps adjust the foam profile.

Does Plurafac LF 224 reduce foam?
The manufacturer highlights low-foaming and potentially defoaming behavior in appropriate blends. The actual impact must be demonstrated in the finished cleaner under realistic agitation and soil loading.

Is a low-foaming surfactant the same as a defoamer?
No. Low-foaming refers to reduced foam generation or persistence, while defoaming refers to disrupting foam that already exists; performance can overlap but is formulation-specific.

Does Plurafac LF 224 contain silicone antifoam?
The verified chemical description identifies a fatty alcohol alkoxylate, not a silicone-antifoam formulation. No claim of intentionally added silicone should be made without supplier documentation.

Can Plurafac LF 224 replace a silicone defoamer directly?
Not reliably on an equal-weight basis. They have different chemistries and can affect detergency, residue, clarity and foam in different ways.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in automatic dishwashing detergents?
The manufacturer includes dishwashing among its application categories. Any individual formula needs verification of low foam, detergency, phase stability, rinsing and compliance.

Why is foam control important in automatic dishwashing?
Excessive foam can interfere with spray action, pumping and wash hydraulics. Maintaining cleaning while controlling foam is a key formulation target.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in food-processing cleaning?
The manufacturer lists food and beverage processing equipment cleaners among relevant uses. That does not mean the ingredient is approved for direct consumption or every form of food contact.

Is Plurafac LF 224 approved as a food additive?
No food-additive authorization was established by the reviewed technical documentation. An industrial cleaner application should never be treated as proof of permission to add the substance to food.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in CIP cleaning?
The manufacturer identifies related cleaning-in-place and low-foam applications. The actual use must be validated for the specific acid or alkali system, temperature, equipment and rinse program.

Does Plurafac LF 224 disinfect equipment?
Plurafac LF 224 is not identified in the reviewed documents as a disinfectant active. Microbial kill claims require an appropriately authorized and tested finished system.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in commercial laundry?
The manufacturer includes commercial laundry among its application categories. A formulator must still verify soil removal, foam profile, textile compatibility and residue after rinsing.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in kitchen degreasers?
Plurafac LF 224 can be evaluated in kitchen and food-service cleaner formulations where foam control and greasy-soil handling are priorities. Effective cleaning and safe use must be verified for the complete system and surface types.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in industrial parts washers?
Plurafac LF 224 can be considered in low-foam industrial cleaning development. Whether it performs well in a specific parts washer depends on oils, temperatures, water chemistry, other ingredients and test results.

Can Plurafac LF 224 improve cleaning in hard water?
It may be useful as part of a well-formulated cleaner, but nonionic chemistry does not guarantee immunity from the effects of hardness salts. Assess the actual formulation with the intended local water supply.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be combined with anionic surfactants?
Mixed-surfactant formulations are possible development routes, but their phase behavior and foam must be evaluated. No universal compatibility or blending ratio is established by the reviewed public sources.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be blended with alkyl polyglucosides?
The manufacturer's product description explicitly refers to useful foam-control behavior in selected mixtures involving such surfactants. This is application guidance rather than a guaranteed result at any ratio or processing condition.

Is Plurafac LF 224 compatible with strong acids?
A published application category includes certain acidic cleaner systems, but the reviewed SDS also warns about incompatible concentrated chemicals. Compatibility must be established for the actual composition and storage conditions.

Is Plurafac LF 224 compatible with strong alkalis?
Do not assume concentrated caustic compatibility simply because the product may be considered for industrial cleaning. The reviewed SDS lists alkalines and caustics among substances to avoid under specified handling conditions.

What is the best addition order for Plurafac LF 224?
No universal validated addition sequence was established from the reviewed grade-specific sources. The appropriate manufacturing order depends on the co-surfactants, water content, temperature, and risk of temporary high viscosity or phase separation.

What percentage of Plurafac LF 224 should be used in a cleaner?
No general percentage can be responsibly prescribed from the available public information. Start with the defined performance target and determine the needed active level through controlled trials and regulatory review.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be diluted directly with water?
The neat grade's stated water insolubility means direct dilution may not yield a uniform solution. Laboratory evaluation of the entire formulation is needed before scale-up.

What if a cleaner becomes cloudy after adding Plurafac LF 224?
Check the phase behavior, solvent balance, salt concentration and temperature rather than assuming the material is defective. Clouding in a formulated system is not identical to the published EN 1890 cloud-point result.

Why might viscosity rise during dilution?
Surfactant-water mixtures can pass through composition regions with higher apparent viscosity or different internal structure. Measure the actual blend instead of extrapolating linearly from the viscosity of the neat ingredient.

Is Plurafac LF 224 stable in cold storage?
The reviewed SDS says frost does not damage the product, although viscosity rises strongly in the published cold-temperature measurements. Storage and transfer systems should account for those handling changes.

What storage temperature should be avoided?
The reviewed US SDS warns that exposure above 70 °C can irreversibly change product properties. The present supplier SDS should be checked before establishing site-specific storage limits.

Which containers are compatible with Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed SDS lists LDPE, HDPE, carbon steel, glass, aluminium and tinned carbon steel. Specific seals, pumps and liners should be evaluated for their service temperature and contact time.

Is Plurafac LF 224 hazardous if swallowed?
The 2018 US SDS classifies the concentrate as Acute Toxicity Category 4 by the oral route and labels it harmful if swallowed. Keep the product away from food and follow the current regional safety instructions.

Does Plurafac LF 224 irritate the eyes?
Yes, the reviewed US SDS classifies it as an eye irritant. Splash protection and prompt, thorough eye rinsing are necessary.

What should be done after eye contact?
Rinse the eyes immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open, and obtain medical attention as directed by the SDS. Remove contact lenses if easy to do without delaying rinsing.

What should be done after skin contact?
Wash Plurafac LF 224 from the skin thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing and seek help if irritation develops or persists.

What should be done if Plurafac LF 224 is inhaled as a mist?
Move to fresh air and seek medical evaluation, particularly if breathing symptoms are present. Mist controls are important even though the liquid has low vapor pressure.

What should be done if Plurafac LF 224 is swallowed?
Rinse the mouth and get medical advice; the reviewed SDS directs water by mouth for an alert person who can swallow. Do not induce vomiting or give liquids to an unconscious person.

Does Plurafac LF 224 create a slipping hazard?
Yes. The reviewed SDS specifically warns of very slippery surfaces after spills, including when water is present.

What PPE is recommended for handling the concentrate?
The reviewed SDS specifies chemical-resistant gloves, tightly fitting goggles, a face shield and suitable protective clothing. Additional respiratory protection may be needed where ventilation is insufficient or mist is generated.

Is Plurafac LF 224 a dangerous good for transport?
The February 2018 US SDS states that it is not classified as dangerous goods under USDOT, IMDG or IATA/ICAO rules. Verify the current regional SDS before a shipment.

Does Plurafac LF 224 have a UN number?
No UN number is assigned in the reviewed 2018 US SDS transport section because it is not classified as dangerous goods there. This should not be generalized to every mixture or jurisdiction without confirmation.

Is Plurafac LF 224 readily biodegradable?
The reviewed US SDS reports ready biodegradability under cited OECD criteria and provides supporting test-specific figures. Some environmental conclusions are based on structurally related materials rather than direct testing of every batch.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be disposed of down the drain?
No general drain-disposal authorization follows from biodegradability. The reviewed SDS warns against release to drains and natural waters, and local wastewater and waste rules must be followed.

Is Plurafac LF 224 harmful to aquatic life?
The 2018 US SDS includes acute and chronic aquatic hazard warnings. Spills and concentrated wastewater should be contained and handled through approved waste procedures.

Can the product be used in cosmetics?
The reviewed documentation focuses on industrial and institutional surfactant uses; no suitability or authorization for a specific cosmetic application was established here. Grade, purity, safety and local cosmetic rules would need separate verification.

Can Plurafac LF 224 be used in pharmaceutical products?
No pharmaceutical grade or authorization has been established from the reviewed product information. Industrial detergent suitability does not imply pharmaceutical acceptability.

Can it be used as a food-contact cleaner without further checks?
No. Food-equipment applications require assessment of the entire formulation, local compliance, rinse conditions and residue considerations where relevant.

What is the HLB value of Plurafac LF 224?
The reviewed North American product guide treats the HLB as proprietary. A precise value should not be guessed from grade naming or neighboring surfactants.

What does an approximately 100% concentration mean commercially?
It indicates a largely undiluted surfactant grade in the manufacturer's representative table. It should not be treated as a purity guarantee or a replacement for a COA assay specification.

How does LF 224 differ from LF 1300?
They are distinct low-foaming alcohol alkoxylate grades with different documented physical and phase behaviors. For example, representative viscosity at 23 °C is about 55 mPa·s for LF 224 and about 130 mPa·s for LF 1300, but that alone does not determine their interchangeability.

Can LF 224 be replaced by another low-foaming alcohol alkoxylate?
Potentially after application-specific validation, not automatically. Compare equivalent active levels, foam, cleaning efficiency, phase stability, safety documentation and regulatory status.

How should incoming material be checked?
Check identity, packaging integrity, batch number and the supplier's agreed specifications. Viscosity, appearance, density or other release attributes should be measured under defined methods when they are relevant to the purchase contract.

What is the difference between a TDS, SDS and COA?
A TDS explains technical characteristics, an SDS provides hazard and safe-handling information, and a COA reports batch-associated results under specified tests. These are complementary documents rather than substitutes for one another.

Are the published values guaranteed specifications?
No. The manufacturer's family technical information describes representative averages; acceptance limits must come from the agreed specification and batch documentation.

Can Ataman Kimya provide Plurafac LF 224 documentation?
Customers may contact Ataman Kimya to discuss their application and ask about availability of relevant TDS, SDS, COA and packaging information. Document availability, certifications, stock and commercial terms must be confirmed at the time of inquiry.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Plurafac LF 224 is a liquid, low-foaming nonionic fatty alcohol alkoxylate associated with CAS 111905-53-4 and manufacturer product number 30044064. The reviewed public product information supports its relevance in automatic dishwashing, industrial and institutional cleaning, food-service hygiene, commercial laundry and selected food-and-beverage equipment-cleaning applications.

Representative properties of Plurafac LF 224 include approximately 55 mPa·s dynamic viscosity at 23 °C, density of 0.96 g/cm3 at 23 °C, and surface tension around 30 mN/m at 1 g/L in distilled water. The stated cloud points of approximately 35 °C and 27 °C belong to EN 1890 Methods D and E using specified butyldiglycol media, and cannot be described as generic cloud points in water.

The combination of low-foam performance and limited direct water solubility is an important technical trade-off for Plurafac LF 224. Formulation success depends on how LF 224 behaves with co-surfactants, builders, hydrotropes, solvents, soils and the real cleaning equipment; the relatively slow published standalone wetting times provide an additional reason to evaluate finished blends rather than rely on generic surfactant claims.

The reviewed 2018 US SDS identifies oral, eye and aquatic hazards for the concentrated grade, provides specific first-aid instructions and reports that it is not classified as dangerous goods under listed transport regimes. Because safety and regulatory documents can be revised and differ among regions, purchasers should obtain the current SDS and commercial specification before handling or approving the material.

CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA

Customers considering Plurafac LF 224 for industrial or institutional formulations may contact Ataman Kimya to discuss the planned application, preferred grade characteristics and technical documentation requirements. The team can be asked about suitable purchasing specifications, packaging options, current availability and a quotation; no particular stock position, certificate or supply commitment is implied by this product profile.

For evaluation or procurement, provide the target cleaning process, proposed formulation type, production scale, technical performance requirements and delivery destination so the requested documentation and commercial discussion can be appropriately focused.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com