Main components of Thickener 6000DS, Thickener 638, and PEG-150?

The main components of Thickener 6000DS and Thickener 638 are the same, both being PEG-150 Distearate (polyethylene glycol-150 distearate); while PEG-150 itself is the basic structure of both—polyethylene glycol-150.

Detailed Description

Thickener 6000DS, Thickener 638, and PEG-150 belong to the Guoli Chemical PEG-150 series thickener product line, and their chemical cores are closely related. The active ingredients of Thickener 6000DS and Thickener 638 are completely identical, both being PEG-150 Distearate (CAS number: 9005-08-07), with the general chemical formula C₁₇H₃₅COO(CH₂CH₂O)_nOCC₁₇H₃₅ (n≈150), i.e., a diester-type nonionic surfactant formed by the esterification of one molecule of polyethylene glycol-150 with two molecules of stearic acid.

PEG-150 (polyethylene glycol-150) itself is the starting material for synthesizing the above distearate, with the formula H(OCH₂CH₂)_nOH (n≈150) and molecular weight of about 6000~7000. When both terminal hydroxyl groups of PEG-150 are esterified with stearic acid, PEG-150 Distearate is obtained. The differences among them: Thickener 6000DS is a white to off-white powder (diester content ≥95%, active ingredient ≥98%), suitable for precise measurement and long-term storage; Thickener 638 is a slightly yellow transparent liquid, more suitable for cold-mix processes and easy to disperse; while PEG-150 is a white to slightly yellow flake or granule.

As a nonionic high-efficiency thickener, PEG-150 Distearate combines thickening, emulsifying, and lubricating functions, with an HLB value of about 18.5, non-toxic, and non-flammable. Its nonionic nature allows it to be compatible with anionic, cationic, and nonionic systems, showing stable performance in the pH range of 4.5~7.5, and resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water, making it an ideal thickener for aqueous systems.

Technical Parameters

Application Suggestions

Although the three have the same ingredients, due to differences in form and functional focus, their application scenarios differ:

• Thickener 6000DS (powder): Specifically designed for industrial fields such as water-based coatings, water-based adhesives, water-based inks, textile printing pastes, etc. It provides high thickening efficiency and good flow and leveling properties. The dosage should be adjusted according to the required system viscosity.
• Thickener 638 (liquid): More suitable for scenarios requiring cold-mix processes, such as latex paints, water-based industrial coatings, and water-based adhesives. It imparts moderate thixotropy, balances low and medium shear viscosity, and enhances opening effect and film leveling.
• PEG-150: Widely used in personal care products (shampoos, body washes, creams and lotions) and household detergents, utilizing its nonionic properties to provide thickening and stabilization in surfactant-containing formulations, improving foam texture and user experience.

Precautions

• During operation, it is recommended to wear dust masks, chemical safety goggles, and protective gloves, and maintain good ventilation.
• Thickener 6000DS is a powder; avoid dust generation and keep away from open flames and strong oxidizers.
• Store in a cool, dry place at temperatures not exceeding 45℃, relative humidity below 70%, and keep sealed.
• Under recommended storage conditions, unopened products have a shelf life of two years.
• The above technical parameters are sourced from the product database of Hai'an Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. For more detailed formulation guidance, please consult the Guoli Chemical technical team.