Plurafac LF-901 is a low foaming nonionic surfactant.
Plurafac LF-901 consists of alkoxylated, predominantly unbranched fatty alcohols, and contains higher alkene oxides alongside ethylene oxide.
This product has a viscosity of approximately 130 mPa·s at 23°C.
CAS Number: 166736-08-9
EC Number: 605-450-7
Molecular Formula: C15H32O3
Molar Mass: 260.42
Product Number (PRD): 30273371
Synonyms: xl80, LF-900, Plurafac LF 901, Lutensol XL type, Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, Oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(2-propylheptyl) ether, Nonionic alcohol alkoxylate, Nonionic surfactant, Low-foaming nonionic surfactant, Low-foaming surfactant, Foam control surfactant, Foam suppressant surfactant, Wetting surfactant, Industrial cleaning surfactant, Institutional cleaning surfactant, Hard surface cleaning surfactant, Spray cleaning surfactant, machine cleaning surfactant, rinse aid surfactant, 100% active nonionic surfactant, Cleaning performance additive.
Industrial Synonyms & Technical Identifiers
In formulation sheets and regulatory filings, this material can be found under the following names:
xl80, LF-900, Plurafac LF 901, Lutensol XL type
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(2-propylheptyl) ether
Oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(2-propylheptyl) ether
Nonionic alcohol alkoxylate / Low-foaming nonionic surfactant
Foam control surfactant / Wetting surfactant / Rinse aid surfactant
Plurafac LF 901 is a 100% active, low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on alcohol alkoxylate chemistry.
Structurally, Plurafac LF 901 consists of alkoxylated, predominantly unbranched (linear) fatty alcohols and contains ethylene oxide alongside higher alkene oxides.
Unlike some other variants in the LF series that are alkyl end-capped, Plurafac LF 901 terminates in a hydroxyl (-OH) group.
Plurafac LF 901 is a 100% active, low-foaming nonionic surfactant manufactured by BASF.
Composed of alkoxylated, unbranched fatty alcohols, Plurafac LF 901 is widely utilized for its excellent wetting capabilities in industrial cleaning, automatic dishwashing, and hard surface cleaning formulations
Plurafac LF 901 is a nonionic surfactant with low foaming properties.
This 100% active product provides benefits such as low foaming solutions and wetting capabilities.
PLURAFAC LF 901 provides control over cleaning formulations by reducing foam while helping the liquid reach the surface effectively and wet Plurafac LF 901.
The 100% active alcohol alkoxylate structure of PLURAFAC LF 901 makes Plurafac LF 901 valuable in intensive systems where features such as performance, process stability, and easy rinsing must work together.
Instead of creating visible foam, PLURAFAC LF 901 supports a cleaner and smoother washing process by improving surface contact, foam balance, and formulation efficiency.
PLURAFAC LF 901 is a low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on alcohol alkoxylate chemistry.
PLURAFAC LF 901 has been developed for cleaning formulations that require effective wetting, controlled foam, and stable performance during washing, spraying, and rinsing.
PLURAFAC LF 901 is a low-foaming nonionic surfactant based on alcohol alkoxylate chemistry.
PLURAFAC LF 901 has been developed for cleaning formulations that require effective wetting, controlled foam, and stable performance during washing, spraying, and rinsing.
Applications of PLURAFAC LF 901:
PLURAFAC LF 901 can be used in machine washing, bottle washing, food service cleaning, and process cleaning formulations where excessive foam could disrupt washing or draining.
PLURAFAC LF 901 also provides better surface contact, faster wetting, controlled foam buildup, and smoother rinsing in concentrated cleaning products.
PLURAFAC LF 901 has been used as a 100% active, low-foaming nonionic alcohol alkoxylate surfactant with wetting benefits.
PLURAFAC LF 901 is used in low-foaming cleaning formulations that require wetting, foam control, and rinsing performance.
PLURAFAC LF 901 is suitable for industrial cleaners, institutional cleaners, hard surface cleaners, automatic cleaning systems, and spray cleaning products.
PLURAFAC LF 901 does not react with calcium, magnesium, or other cations in hard water, soluble alkali salts, anionic polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose, or polycarboxylates such as our Sokalan CP, HP, PM, and PA types.
PLURAFAC LF 901s terminating in a hydroxyl group are resistant to formaldehyde, chlorine compounds, phosphates, silicates, soda ash, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, and most other acids and alkalies.
Applications & Benefits
Low Foaming: Prevents excess sudsing, making PLURAFAC LF 901 ideal for high-agitation cleaning processes like dishwashers and spray cleaners.
Wetting Agent: Drops surface tension to help water and cleaning solutions spread rapidly and penetrate soil.
Industrial Formulations: Often combined with other ingredients (like AMP-95) for ultra-concentrated degreasers and hard surface cleaners.
Common Applications
Because of its grease-cutting power and low foaming properties, PLURAFAC LF 901 is extensively used in:
Household Detergents: Automatic dishwasher detergents and hard-surface cleaners.
Industrial Cleaners: Degreasers and heavy-duty industrial or institutional formulas.
Cosmetics: Formulations requiring mild, non-ionic emulsifying and cleansing surfactants.
Primary Applications
Plurafac LF 901 is highly valued in intensive systems where performance, process stability, and easy rinsing must work seamlessly together.
Because PLURAFAC LF 901 keeps foam formation low under high mechanical agitation, PLURAFAC LF 901 is highly suitable for:
Industrial & Institutional (I&I) Cleaning: Heavy-duty industrial cleaners and institutional cleaning systems.
Hard Surface & Spray Cleaners: Formulations designed for pressure washers, metal surface degreasing, and spray cleaning equipment.
Automated Cleaning Systems: Machine washing, commercial bottle washing, and crate washing lines where excessive foam would otherwise disrupt operation or draining.
Food Service & Concentrated Detergents: Food service cleaning, concentrated cleaning products (where PLURAFAC LF 901 drives faster wetting, better surface contact, and smoother rinsing), and specialized rinse aid formulations.
Key Characteristics & Properties
Chemical Composition: An alkoxylated fatty alcohol based on a C₁₀ Guerbet alcohol.
Physical State: Typically a clear to slightly cloudy liquid with a mild odor.
Function: Highly valued for its excellent washing, cleaning, degreasing, and wetting properties.
PLURAFAC LF 901 acts as a superior emulsifier and cleansing agent.
Solubility: Compatible with other non-ionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants, and fully biodegradable
Key Performance Features
1. Advanced Foam Control & Wetting
PLURAFAC LF 901 is specifically engineered to provide effective wetting and controlled foam during washing, spraying, and rinsing cycles.
Instead of generating visible foam, PLURAFAC LF 901 optimizes foam balance and improves surface contact, resulting in a cleaner and smoother washing process.
2. Excellent Stability & Chemical Resistance
Because PLURAFAC LF 901 is hydroxyl-terminated, Plurafac LF 901 exhibits exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals:
Acids & Bases: PLURAFAC LF 901 is highly resistant to hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, most other acids, and alkalies.
Additives: PLURAFAC LF 901 remains stable in the presence of formaldehyde, chlorine compounds, phosphates, silicates, and soda ash.
Note on Color Stability: In moderately alkaline formulations exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, hydroxyl-terminated LF types may slowly experience a slight yellowing. However, this cosmetic shift does not affect their protective or foaming properties.
3. Broad Compatibility
With Other Surfactants: PLURAFAC LF 901 can be formulated alongside other nonionic surfactants (such as Lutensol® A, AO, AT, F, GD, ON, XA, XL, XP, and TO types) as well as Pluronic PE and RPE types.
PLURAFAC LF 901 is also fully compatible with anionic (Lutensit® A types) and cationic surfactants (Lutensit TC-KLC types).
With Hard Water Ions: PLURAFAC LF 901 does not react with calcium, magnesium, or other heavy cations found in hard water.
With Polymers & Salts: PLURAFAC LF 901 safely coexists with soluble alkali salts, anionic polymers (like carboxymethyl cellulose), and polycarboxylates (such as Sokalan® CP, HP, PM, and PA types).
Safety & Hazards
Irritation: Classified as an eye irritant (causes serious eye damage).
Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed.
Always refer to the specific safety data sheet (SDS) from your chemical provider for handling precautions.
Technical Specifications & Physical Properties
Active Content: 100% active nonionic surfactant.
Physical Form: Liquid.
Viscosity: Approximately 130mPa.sat 23°C.
Cloud Point: 38 °C.
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
CLEANSING
Product Name: Oxirane, 2-methyl-, polymer with oxirane, mono(2-propylheptyl) ether
InChI: InChI=1S/C10H22O.C3H6O.C2H4O/c1-3-5-6-8-10(9-11)7-4-2;1-3-2-4-3;1-2-3-1/h10-11H,3-9H2,1-2H3;3H,2H2,1H3;1-2H2
InChIKey: NELDGOLMOICKDQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N