Question

What are the physicochemical and technical parameters of Thickener 6000DS, Thickener 638, and PEG-150?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 增稠剂6000DS,增稠剂638,PEG-150

Thickener 6000DS, Thickener 638, and PEG-150 are all PEG-150 Distearate series products with highly consistent physicochemical parameters, the main differences being in appearance (powder vs. liquid) and solubility performance.

Detailed Description

Thickener 6000DS (white to off-white powder) and Thickener 638 (slightly yellow transparent liquid) are both PEG-150 Distearate. Their core chemical structures are identical, so physicochemical indicators such as acid value, saponification value, and content fall within the same range. The differences lie mainly in appearance and dissolution process: 6000DS is in powder form, convenient for precise measurement and long-term storage; 638 is a liquid, dispersing faster, especially suitable for cold blending processes. PEG-150, as a general-grade raw material, is typically supplied in white to slightly yellow flakes or granules.

This series of products are nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of approximately 18.5, exhibiting excellent hydrophilicity. They are chemically stable, resistant to acid, alkali, and hard water, maintaining stable thickening effects under complex water quality and broad pH conditions. The products are slightly hygroscopic and require moisture protection during storage; recommended storage temperature is not exceeding 45°C with relative humidity below 70%.

Technical Parameters

Item Specification / Value
Chemical Name PEG-150 Distearate (Polyethylene Glycol-150 Distearate)
CAS No. 9005-08-07
Ionic Type Nonionic
Molecular Formula C17H35COO(CH2CH2O)nOCC17H35, n≈150
Molecular Weight Approximately 6000~7000
Appearance Thickener 6000DS: White to off-white powder
Thickener 638: Slightly yellow transparent liquid
PEG-150: White to slightly yellow flakes or granules
Active Content ≥98%
HLB Value 18.5
Melting Point 50~60℃
Density 1.11~1.13
Refractive Index (25℃) PEG-150: 1.466~1.468
Flash Point >200℃
pH of 1% Aqueous Solution 5.0~7.0
pH of 5% Aqueous Solution 4.5~7.5
Acid Value ≤5 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value 15~25 mgKOH/g
Hydroxyl Value ≤10 mgKOH/g
Iodine Value ≤1
Unsaturation ≤1 mol/kg
Diester Content ≥95%
Free Alcohol ≤1%
Moisture ≤1.0%
Solids Content ≥98%
Solubility 6000DS/638: Dispersible in hot water, soluble in ethanol, acetone
PEG-150: Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone
Foaming Property Low foam
Hygroscopicity Slightly hygroscopic
Heavy Metals ≤20 mg/kg
Arsenic ≤2 mg/kg
Shelf Life 2 years (unopened, under recommended storage conditions)
Packaging 25 kg woven bag / kraft bag

Application Suggestions

Thickener 6000DS (Powder): Most suitable for water-based architectural coatings, water-based adhesives, water-based inks, and textile printing pastes. It is recommended to pre-disperse in hot water before adding to the formulation. The dosage is adjusted based on the target viscosity, typically 0.5%~3% of the total formula weight.

Thickener 638 (Liquid): More suitable for cold blending processes, widely used in latex paints, water-based industrial coatings, and adhesive systems. It can be added directly under stirring, imparting moderate thixotropy to the system. Recommended dosage is 0.5%~5%.

PEG-150 (General Raw Material): An ideal thickener and stabilizer for personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, creams, and lotions. It performs excellently in surfactant-containing aqueous systems, with recommended dosage typically ranging from 0.3%~3%.

Precautions

  • Dissolution Process: For powder products, it is recommended to slowly add to hot water at 50~70°C under stirring to avoid agglomeration.
  • Personal Protection: It is recommended to wear a mask, goggles, and gloves during operation to avoid inhalation of dust or contact with eyes.
  • Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, temperature not exceeding 45°C, relative humidity below 70%; seal promptly after opening to prevent moisture.
  • Compatibility: Keep away from strong acids, strong alkalis, and strong oxidizing agents. It can be well compounded with most anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants.