Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Eric Wei Chemical Co., Ltd.

BASF Plurafac LF 031 Surfactant

BASF Plurafac LF 031 is a nonionic surfactant from BASF’s Plurafac® LF series, featuring low-foaming ethoxylated alcohol chemistry. It delivers excellent wetting, emulsification and soil removal in industrial cleaners, metalworking fluids and agrochemical formulations. Designed for high-performance, low-foam applications, it offers good water solubility, thermal stability and compatibility with electrolytes and other surfactants.
  • basf plurafac lf 031 surfactant_d600f8c3
  • basf plurafac lf 031 surfactant_d600f8c3

Features Of BASF Plurafac LF 031 Surfactant

  1. Nonionic surfactant based on linear alcohol ethoxylate chemistry with optimized hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB ≈ 13.5).

  2. Excellent wetting, emulsifying, and solubilizing performance in aqueous systems across a broad pH range.

  3. Low foaming profile suitable for high-shear and recirculating industrial cleaning applications.

  4. Readily biodegradable (OECD 301E compliant) and formulated without alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO-free).

  5. Good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants in complex formulations.

Typical Applications Of BASF Plurafac LF 031 Surfactant

  1. Industrial and institutional (I&I) hard-surface cleaners, including floor, glass, and stainless-steel cleaners.

  2. Formulations for metalworking fluids requiring stable oil-in-water emulsions and corrosion inhibition support.

  3. Agrochemical adjuvants for improving active ingredient dispersion and foliar retention.

  4. Textile auxiliaries in scouring, dye leveling, and rinsing processes.

  5. Paint and coating additives for pigment wetting and dispersion stabilization.

Specifications Of BASF Plurafac LF 031 Surfactant

Chemical TypeLinear alcohol ethoxylate (C12–C15, ~9 EO units)
Product FormPale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Appearance (at 25 °C)Clear to slightly hazy, homogeneous liquid
Active ContentApprox. 100% (neat)
HLB Value~13.5
pH (1% aqueous solution)5.5 – 7.0
Solubility in WaterComplete miscibility at room temperature
Primary ApplicationsWetting agent, emulsifier, solubilizer in industrial cleaning and functional formulations


BASF Plurafac LF 031 Surfactant – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary chemical nature of Plurafac LF 031?

A: Plurafac LF 031 is a nonionic surfactant based on alkylphenol ethoxylate chemistry, specifically derived from nonylphenol and ethylene oxide. It exhibits good wetting, emulsifying, and solubilizing properties in aqueous systems.


Q2: Is Plurafac LF 031 suitable for use in industrial cleaning formulations?

A: Yes, it is widely used in heavy-duty industrial cleaners, especially where strong soil removal, oil-in-water emulsification, and stability under alkaline conditions are required. Its performance is particularly effective in metal cleaning and pre-treatment applications.


Q3: How does Plurafac LF 031 compare to alcohol ethoxylates in terms of foaming and detergency?

A: Compared to many linear alcohol ethoxylates, Plurafac LF 031 typically delivers higher detergency on hydrophobic soils and more stable foam in hard water, though it may generate slightly more persistent foam—making it well-suited for soak or spray cleaning rather than low-foam rinse applications.


Q4: Can Plurafac LF 031 be used in combination with ionic surfactants?

A: Yes, it is commonly formulated with anionic surfactants such as LAS or AES to achieve synergistic cleaning performance and improved formulation stability. Compatibility should be verified experimentally for specific pH, electrolyte content, and temperature conditions.


Q5: What are typical dosage guidelines for Plurafac LF 031 in cleaning concentrates?

A: Dosage depends on formulation requirements, but it is typically used at low concentrations—generally ranging from 0.1% to 2% by weight in ready-to-use solutions, and up to 10–20% in concentrated industrial cleaners.



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