This product is a safe and mild nonionic surfactant, but basic chemical handling procedures must still be followed, with emphasis on avoiding dust inhalation, preventing mechanical eye irritation, and keeping away from strong oxidizers and open flames.
Detailed Explanation
Polyethylene Glycol 400 Distearate (PEG-400 DS) does not present significant hazards under normal conditions of use. It is not classified as a dangerous chemical under GHS. Its acute oral and dermal toxicity is very low (LD50 >2000 mg/kg in both cases), it is not irritating to the skin, and there is no evidence of sensitization, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity. However, as the product is a white to slightly yellowish waxy solid, dust may be generated during handling, which could cause minor eye discomfort due to mechanical friction. Therefore, direct contact with the eyes should be avoided.
The product is chemically stable and does not undergo polymerization under normal conditions. Prolonged exposure to excessively high temperatures and open flames must be avoided. Do not store or mix with strong oxidizing agents. During thermal decomposition or combustion, it may produce fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other carbon-containing compounds. Firefighters should take appropriate protective measures. Environmentally, the product has low aquatic toxicity (EC50/LC50 >100 mg/L), is readily biodegradable, and has low bioaccumulation potential. However, spills should still be prevented from entering drains and waterways.
In industrial applications, this product is widely used as an emulsifier, thickener, and dispersant in personal care products, detergents, textile auxiliaries, and metalworking fluids. Proper handling and storage methods ensure personnel safety and product performance stability.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish waxy solid |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic |
| HLB Value | 7.5 |
| Melting Point | 40~50°C |
| Flash Point | >200°C |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0~7.0 |
| Water Content | ≤1.0% |
| Active Matter Content | ≥99% |
| Acid Value | ≤5 mgKOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 110~130 mgKOH/g |
| Hydroxyl Value | ≤5 mgKOH/g |
| Diester Content | ≥90% |
| Density | Approx. 0.95 g/cm³ |
| Stability | Stable at room temperature, avoid strong acids and bases |
Application Recommendations
- Personal Care Products: Used in creams, lotions, shampoos, and body washes. Heat to dissolve in the oil phase before emulsification. Dosage depends on formula viscosity requirements, typically 0.5%~5%.
- Household Detergents: As a thickener and foam stabilizer, add in the later stage of formulation to avoid prolonged high-temperature heating, which may cause ester bond hydrolysis.
- Textile Auxiliaries: Acts as an emulsifying and dispersing component in softening finishes. Ensure the system temperature is above its melting point (≥50°C) for uniform dispersion.
- Metalworking Fluids: Used as a co-emulsifier and lubricity additive. Combining with anionic emulsifiers yields a more stable emulsified oil system.
- Plastics and Rubber Processing: When used as an internal lubricant, add during the compounding or pelletizing stage. Addition level is generally 0.1%~1% of the resin weight.
Precautions
- Dust Protection: If dust is generated during handling, wear a particulate respirator meeting GB 2626 or NIOSH N95 standards, and use local exhaust or general ventilation.
- Eye Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles if there is risk of splashing or dust contact. In case of eye contact, immediately flush with running water or saline for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open.
- Skin Contact: Wash hands and contacted areas thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Although the product is non-irritating to skin, clean immediately if contaminated.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Recommended ambient temperature is between 5°C and 40°C. Keep container tightly closed to prevent moisture and foreign matter ingress.
- Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents. Do not store together with food, feed, or pharmaceuticals.
- Fire Extinguishing Media: Use dry powder, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam. Do not use direct water jets. Combustion or thermal decomposition may release toxic fumes including carbon monoxide. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
- Spill Management: Contain and collect using inert absorbent materials such as sand, vermiculite, or diatomaceous earth. Place in sealed containers and dispose as general industrial solid waste. Prevent spills from entering drains, surface water, and groundwater systems.
- Waste Disposal: Do not discharge into soil, water bodies, or drainage systems. Arrange for disposal by a licensed waste treatment facility through incineration or biological treatment. Empty containers may be cleaned and recycled.
