Polyethylene Glycol Distearate 400DS is a white to slightly yellow waxy solid at room temperature (melting point 40~50°C). Therefore, it usually requires pre-melting treatment before use. It is recommended to heat the product to 50~60°C until it completely melts into a liquid state, then slowly add it to the oil phase component of the formulation under stirring conditions, mix evenly, and then proceed with the subsequent homogenization and emulsification steps. Due to its HLB value of 7.5, it is a relatively lipophilic emulsifier, and it is more suitable as a co-emulsifier or thickener in oil-in-water (O/W) systems. It is often used in combination with high HLB value emulsifiers to achieve optimal emulsification effects.
In applications involving the dispersion of solid particles or pigments, PEG-400DS can be first melted and pre-mixed with the solid powder to be dispersed. Through grinding or high-speed shearing, the product fully coats the particle surface, thereby effectively preventing agglomeration and sedimentation of particles through its steric hindrance effect. When dispersed in water, the product forms a milky white dispersion. If complete dissolution is required, organic solvents such as ethanol or isopropanol can be used as carriers.
| Parameter Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid |
| Melting Point | 40~50°C |
| HLB Value | 7.5 |
| Active Content | ≥99% |
| pH Value (1% aqueous dispersion) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Acid Value | ≤5 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 110~130 mgKOH/g |
| Diester Content | ≥90% |
| Solubility | Dispersible in water, soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, etc. |
| Flash Point | >200°C |
Personal Care Products (Creams/Lotions): Typical dosage is 1%~3%. Heat the product together with the oil phase components (vegetable oils, synthetic esters, silicone oils, etc.) to 55~65°C and stir until completely melted and uniform; simultaneously heat the water phase components to the same temperature, then slowly add the oil phase to the water phase under rapid stirring, homogenize and emulsify, and then cool. It is recommended to combine with a high HLB value emulsifier (such as PEG-100 Stearate) to obtain a finer and more stable cream structure.
Textile Softeners/Finishing Agents: The dosage is usually 0.5%~2% of the finishing bath. First, melt PEG-400DS at 60°C, pre-mix it with other components such as fatty acid amides and organosilicone softeners, then slowly add it to deionized water under stirring to disperse, and cool to obtain a milky white uniform finishing bath. Dilute to the required concentration before use and apply to the fabric surface through padding or dipping processes.
Metalworking Fluids (Emulsifying Oils/Cutting Fluids): The recommended dosage in oil-based concentrates is 3%~8%. Heat the product together with base oils, rust inhibitors, extreme pressure additives, and other oil-soluble components to 50~60°C and stir evenly to obtain a transparent or translucent oil-based concentrate. During use, slowly add this concentrate to water under stirring to spontaneously form a stable oil-in-water working emulsion.
Plastic/Rubber Processing: As an internal lubricant and mold release agent, the recommended addition amount is 0.2%~1.0% of the resin weight. It can be physically mixed directly with resin pellets or powder in a mixer, or added to the extruder through side feeding. In the processing of thermoplastic plastics such as PVC and polyolefins, it can effectively reduce melt viscosity, minimize melt fracture, and improve mold release performance of the product.