Question

What are the main industries and processes where G-18 Glycerol Polyoxyethylene Ether, Polyoxyethyl Glycerol Ether is applied?

Answer

G-18 Glycerol Polyoxyethylene Ether is widely used in six major industries: cosmetics and personal care, textiles, metalworking, paints and inks, industrial cleaning, and polyurethane foam. The core processes involve emulsification, solubilization, dispersion, antistatic, lubrication, and foam control.

Detailed Application Industries and Processes

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products — Used as a nonionic O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, and moisturizing auxiliary in formulations such as creams, lotions, facial cleansers, makeup removers (oil/liquid), and fragrance solubilization systems. Leveraging the synergistic effect of its glycerol backbone and polyoxyethylene chain segments, it achieves stable emulsification and dispersion of oils and active ingredients while imparting a mild skin feel and moisturizing properties to the product.

2. Textile Industry — Used as an antistatic agent and softening finishing agent during spinning, weaving, and finishing processes to eliminate static charge buildup on fibers, improve fiber surface smoothness, enhance spinnability, and improve fabric hand feel.

3. Metalworking Fluids — Possessing both lubricating and anti-rust functions, applicable in formulations for cutting fluids, grinding fluids, and rust prevention fluids. During metal cutting and grinding processes, it reduces friction and wear, improving machining accuracy and workpiece surface quality.

4. Paints and Inks — Used as a highly effective wetting and dispersing agent. In the grinding and dispersion process, it promotes uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, prevents flocculation, sedimentation, flooding, and floating, enhancing storage stability and tinting strength of the system.

5. Industrial Cleaning — Relying on excellent wetting, penetration, and detergency, it is used in formulations for hard surface cleaners and industrial degreasers. In scenarios such as textile pretreatment and metal degreasing, it efficiently removes various oil contaminants.

6. Polyurethane Foam — As a foam stabilizer component, it regulates cell structure during the foaming process, improving foam fineness and dimensional uniformity. Widely used in the production of flexible and rigid polyurethane foams.

Overview of Core Processes

Application IndustryCore Process/FunctionMechanism of Action
Cosmetics & Personal CareEmulsification, Solubilization, MoisturizingPolyoxyethylene chain segments hydrophilic + Glycerol backbone lipophilic, O/W emulsification
Textile IndustryAntistatic, Softening FinishReduces fiber surface resistance, forms a smooth film layer
Metalworking FluidsLubrication, Anti-rustPolar groups adsorb onto metal surface forming protective film
Paints & InksWetting DispersionReduces solid/liquid interfacial tension, steric stabilization
Industrial CleaningPenetration, DetergencyQuickly wets oil interface, micellar solubilization removes soil
Polyurethane FoamFoam StabilizationRegulates surface tension gradient, stabilizes cell structure

Precautions

  • This substance causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319). Wear protective gloves and eye protection during handling.
  • Recommended storage temperature: 5~30°C. Keep container tightly closed, away from strong oxidizers and incompatible acids and bases.
  • For detailed safety data, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).