Question

What is Polyethylene Glycol Distearate 400DS? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇双硬脂酸酯400DS

Polyethylene Glycol Distearate 400DS is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid. It is widely used in various industrial fields such as personal care, detergents, textile auxiliaries, metalworking fluids, and plastic and rubber processing, primarily as an emulsifier, dispersant, and thickener.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol Distearate 400DS (CAS No.: 9005-08-7), also known as PEG-400 Distearate or PEG 400DS, is a nonionic surfactant produced by Guoli Chemical. It is prepared by the esterification reaction of polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) with stearic acid. The molecular formula of the product can be expressed as C17H35COO(C2H4O)nOCC17H35, where n≈8~12, with a molecular weight of approximately 930. Its diester content is ≥90%, monoester content ≤5%, and the active ingredient content is as high as ≥99%, ensuring high efficiency and stability during use.

Due to its nonionic nature, this product exhibits excellent chemical compatibility, allowing it to stably blend with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactant systems for synergistic effects. It also possesses outstanding emulsifying performance, capable of efficiently reducing oil\/water interfacial tension to prepare stable oil-in-water emulsions; excellent dispersing ability prevents solid particles and pigments from settling and agglomerating; it maintains stable performance over a wide pH range and in hard water conditions without failure or precipitation, and is mild to the skin, making it an ideal choice for emulsification and thickening in personal care products.

From an environmental and safety perspective, Polyethylene Glycol Distearate 400DS does not fall under any hazard category of the GHS hazard classification. Its acute oral toxicity LD50 and dermal LD50 are both greater than 2000 mg\/kg, with no significant skin irritation. The product is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, meeting the OECD 301 series criteria for ready biodegradability. It has low aquatic toxicity (EC50\/LC50 are both greater than 100 mg\/L) and low bioaccumulation potential, aligning with the requirements of green chemistry and sustainable development.

Technical Parameters

ParameterValue
AppearanceWhite to slightly yellow waxy solid
Ionic TypeNonionic
HLB Value7.5
Active Ingredient Content≥99%
Diester Content≥90%
Monoester Content≤5%
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution)5.0~7.0
Melting Point40~50°C
Acid Value≤5 mgKOH\/g
Saponification Value110~130 mgKOH\/g
Hydroxyl Value≤5 mgKOH\/g
Iodine Value≤1 gI₂\/100g
Moisture Content≤1.0%
DensityApproximately 0.95 g\/cm³
Flash Point>200°C
SolubilityDispersible in water, soluble in ethanol, isopropanol and other organic solvents
Foam CharacteristicsLow foaming
Heavy Metal Content≤10 mg\/kg
Arsenic Content≤2 mg\/kg

Application Recommendations

Personal Care & Cosmetics

As a highly effective nonionic emulsifier and thickener, it is recommended for use in formulations such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and shower gels. It provides a fine and stable texture, improves spreadability and moisturizing skin feel, and imparts an elegant consistency to the formulation. The recommended dosage is typically 1% to 5% of the total formulation weight, adjusted according to system requirements.

Household & Industrial Detergents

Used as a thickener and foam stabilizer in laundry liquids, dishwashing detergents, and hard surface cleaners. It enhances the cling and user experience of the product while maintaining system stability at low temperatures. Its HLB value of 7.5 gives it both lipophilic and hydrophilic characteristics, making it suitable as an emulsifying aid for oil-soluble soils.

Textile Auxiliaries

Used as an emulsifying and dispersing component for softeners, antistatic agents, and finishing agents. It helps active ingredients adhere uniformly to fiber surfaces, imparting a soft and fluffy hand feel to the fabric and reducing static buildup during processing. It can be compounded with other textile auxiliaries to enhance post-finishing effects.

Metalworking Fluids

Acts as an emulsifier and lubricating component in cutting fluids, emulsified oils, and rust preventives. It promotes the stable dispersion of oil-water systems, provides good boundary lubrication performance, helps extend tool life, and improves the surface finish of workpieces.

Plastic & Rubber Processing

Used as an internal lubricant and mold release agent. It reduces friction between the polymer melt and processing equipment, improves the dispersion of fillers in the resin, enhances the surface quality of products, reduces mold fouling, and does not affect the transparency of the product.

Precautions

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. The ambient temperature should be controlled between 5°C and 40°C. Keep the packaging container tightly closed and away from strong oxidizers and open flames.
  • Operational Protection: Avoid generating and inhaling dust during operation. It is recommended to wear dust masks and protective gloves. After operation, thoroughly wash the contacted areas with soap and water.
  • Alkali Stability: The product is not resistant to strong alkalis. Pay attention to the pH conditions of the system during formulation design.
  • Dissolution Method: The product is dispersible in water. For use, it can be pre-dispersed in hot water or organic solvents (such as ethanol, isopropanol) before being added to the formulation system to facilitate uniform mixing.
  • Environmental Note: The product is readily biodegradable. Waste should be disposed of by qualified treatment agencies and must not be discharged directly into water bodies or soil.