PEG-1000/1500 is a core nonionic polyethylene glycol product from Guoli Chemical, primarily used in six major industries: cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceutical industry, industrial manufacturing, textiles, rubber, and inks and coatings. It plays a key role in processes such as emulsification, moisturizing, lubrication, mold release, and plasticizing.
Detailed Description
PEG-1000/1500 belongs to the nonionic polyethylene glycol series, appearing as a white waxy solid or flakes with a defined molecular weight distribution. Thanks to its excellent chemical stability (resistance to acids, bases, and hard water), low toxicity (very low acute oral toxicity), and wide compatibility, it has become a cross-industry, multifunctional core chemical additive. Its core functions include emulsification and dispersion, wetting and solubilization, lubrication and mold release, moisturizing and softening, among others.
In formulation applications, PEG-1000/1500 effectively reduces interfacial tension, promotes uniform mixing of oil and water phases, and enhances formulation stability. At the same time, it improves the surface wettability of materials, increases the solubility of poorly soluble substances, and is compatible with a variety of organic solvents, surfactants, and polymer materials. These properties enable its mature application in various scenarios, from high-end pharmaceutical preparations to large-scale industrial manufacturing.
Main Application Industries and Processes
I. Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Moisturizer: Effectively locks in moisture by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, used in creams, lotions, and other products
- Lubricant: Reduces friction coefficients among formula components, imparting a silky application feel to the product
- Softener: Improves the texture of skin and hair surfaces, used in facial cleansers and hair products
II. Pharmaceutical Industry
- Ointment Base: Serves as a water-soluble base component for ointments, easy to clean and compatible with various drugs
- Suppository Base: Melts rapidly at body temperature to release the drug, with both water-absorbing and dispersing capabilities
- Binder: Provides cohesive force in wet granulation, ensuring uniform and compact granules
- Coating Material: Used as a plasticizer and pore-forming agent in film coating, adjusting flexibility and solubility of the coating layer
- Drop Pill Matrix: Acts as a carrier material for drop pills, allowing the drug to solidify from a molten state
III. Industrial Manufacturing
- Lubricant: Reduces friction resistance in metal processing and plastic molding, minimizing equipment wear
- Mold Release Agent: Forms an isolating film layer in injection molding and die-casting processes, ensuring smooth product release
- Hot Melt Adhesive: Acts as a viscosity modifier and open time controller, improving fluidity and bonding strength of the adhesive
- Heat Transfer Medium: Used in constant temperature baths or heat exchange systems, with a wide operating temperature range, non-toxic and non-corrosive
IV. Textile Industry
- Sizing Agent: Forms a flexible sizing film during warp sizing, enhancing yarn strength and abrasion resistance, reducing breakage during weaving
- Antistatic Agent: Imparts electrical conductivity and moisture absorption to fiber surfaces, quickly dissipating static charges, preventing attraction and entanglement during processing
V. Rubber Industry
- Isolating Agent: Applied to the surface of unvulcanized rubber compounds or raw rubber sheets to prevent sticking, facilitating handling and storage
- Vulcanization Accelerator Carrier: Serves as a dispersing medium for accelerators, ensuring uniform distribution in the rubber compound and improving vulcanization efficiency
VI. Inks and Coatings
- Plasticizer: Increases the flexibility and elasticity of resin systems, preventing coating cracking during bending or temperature changes
- Dispersant: Promotes uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing flocculation and sedimentation, enhancing tinting strength and hiding power
- Flow Modifier: Adjusts the rheological properties of the system, improving leveling and wetting, reducing brush marks and surface defects
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|
| Product Type | Nonionic Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) |
| CAS Number | 25322-68-3 |
| Appearance | White waxy solid or flakes |
| Molecular Weight Specification | PEG-1000 or PEG-1500 (selectable as needed) |
| Chemical Stability | Resistant to acids, bases, and hard water; stable over a wide pH range |
| Compatibility | Compatible with various organic solvents, surfactants, and polymer materials |
| Toxicity Level | Very low acute oral toxicity |
Application Recommendations
When choosing between PEG-1000 or PEG-1500, the molecular weight specification should be determined based on the specific requirements of the target process: PEG-1000 has a slightly lower molecular weight, with relatively lower melting point and viscosity, making it more suitable for formulations requiring higher fluidity; PEG-1500 has a slightly higher molecular weight with a more appropriate freezing point, performing better in pharmaceutical processes such as suppository bases and drop pills that require precise melting-solidification characteristics. Both exhibit good water solubility and broad formulation compatibility.
Precautions
- Wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene gloves) during handling, avoiding contact with skin and eyes
- Operate in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing agents
- GHS classification: Skin irritation Category 2 (H315), Eye irritation Category 2 (H319), may cause respiratory irritation (H335)
- If in eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice (S26)
