Thickener 6000DS and Thickener 638 both belong to the PEG-150 Distearate class of nonionic thickeners, synthesized from polyethylene glycol (150) and stearic acid, with a molecular weight of approximately 6000~7000. This series of products exhibits significant thickening efficiency in aqueous systems, achieving ideal rheological properties at low dosages while also providing emulsification and lubrication functions. Due to their nonionic nature, they are compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic systems, offering strong formulation adaptability and maintaining stable thickening effects under acidic, alkaline, and hard water conditions.
The core difference between the two products lies in their physical form: Thickener 6000DS is a white to off-white powder, facilitating precise metering and long-term storage, and is particularly suitable for systems requiring solid ingredient addition; Thickener 638 is a slightly yellow transparent liquid, easy to disperse, suitable for cold blending processes, and can reduce production energy consumption. PEG-150 itself is white to slightly yellow flakes or granules. All three achieve ≥98% active content, ensuring reliable purity.
This series of products is non-toxic, non-flammable, and safe for humans and the environment under normal use conditions. Its HLB value is approximately 18.5, with good dispersibility or solubility in water – the powder product can be dispersed in hot water, soluble in ethanol and acetone; the liquid product is more easily dispersible in aqueous systems. The product has low foam, slight hygroscopicity, melting point of 50~60°C, flash point >200°C, and stable chemical properties.
| Parameter Item | Thickener 6000DS | Thickener 638 | PEG-150 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | PEG-150 Distearate | PEG-150 Distearate | Polyethylene Glycol-150 |
| CAS No. | 9005-08-07 | ||
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Slightly yellow transparent liquid | White to slightly yellow flakes or granules |
| Ionic Type | Nonionic | ||
| Molecular Weight | Approx. 6000~7000 | ||
| Active Content | ≥98% | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| HLB Value | 18.5 | ||
| Diester Content | ≥95% | ||
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 5.0~7.0 | ||
| Acid Value | ≤5 mgKOH/g | ||
| Saponification Value | 15~25 mgKOH/g | ||
| Hydroxyl Value | ≤10 mgKOH/g | ||
| Iodine Value | ≤1 | ||
| Moisture Content | ≤1.0% | ||
| Density | 1.11~1.13 | ||
| Melting Point | 50~60°C | ||
| Flash Point | >200°C | ||
| Solubility | Dispersible in hot water, soluble in ethanol and acetone | Dispersible in hot water, soluble in ethanol and acetone | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, and acetone |
| Foam Characteristics | Low foam | ||
| Heavy Metals | ≤20 mg/kg | ||
| Arsenic | ≤2 mg/kg | ||
| Shelf Life | Two years (unopened, under recommended storage conditions) | ||
| Packaging Specification | 25kg woven bag/kraft paper bag |
Thickener 6000DS is designed for aqueous systems, providing efficient thickening and imparting good flow and leveling properties. It is recommended for: water-based architectural coatings (latex paints), offering thickening, anti-settling, and anti-spattering capabilities; water-based adhesives, for precise viscosity adjustment to prevent filler settling and stratification; water-based inks, to optimize thixotropy and rheological curves; textile printing pastes, to enhance water retention and plastic viscosity.
Thickener 638 is a general-purpose rheology modifier suitable for cold blending processes. It is recommended for: balancing low-to-medium shear viscosity in latex paints to enhance can appearance; adjusting application viscosity in water-based industrial coatings to improve anti-settling properties; controlling consistency in water-based adhesives to extend open time; providing the rheology required for printability in water-based inks.
PEG-150 leverages its nonionic nature and broad compatibility, primarily targeting personal care and household chemical fields: providing desirable thickness and suspension ability in shampoos, body washes, creams, and lotions, improving foam texture; regulating viscosity in household and industrial detergents to enhance cling; reducing fiber friction in textile lubricants; increasing film-forming and adhesion viscosity in industrial mold release agents. The recommended dosage range is 0.5%~3% depending on target viscosity.