What are the main components of PEG-1000/1500?

The main component of PEG-1000/1500 is Polyethylene Glycol, a linear polymer obtained by polymerization of ethylene oxide, with the general chemical formula HO-(CH₂CH₂O)n-H, belonging to non-ionic surfactants.

Detailed Explanation

PEG-1000 and PEG-1500 are essentially the same substance—Polyethylene Glycol, CAS number 25322-68-3. The difference lies in the molecular weight: PEG-1000 has an average molecular weight of approximately 950~1050, while PEG-1500 has an average molecular weight of approximately 1400~1600. This difference results from the varying number of repeating units of oxyethylene (-CH₂CH₂O-) groups, denoted by n, in the polymer chain. A higher molecular weight leads to a higher melting point and viscosity of the product.

This product is a single-component pure polymer, free of solvents, carriers, or other additives. It appears as a white waxy solid or flakes, with good water solubility, soluble in water and various organic solvents (such as ethanol, acetone, chloroform, etc.), but insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbon non-polar solvents. As a non-ionic surfactant, PEG-1000/1500 does not ionize in aqueous solution, its performance is unaffected by hard water and pH, and it is chemically stable.

From the chemical structure perspective, each end of the polyethylene glycol molecular chain contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which imparts good reactivity, allowing it to undergo esterification or etherification reactions with fatty acids, resins, isocyanates, etc., to prepare various derivatives. Meanwhile, the long chain ether structure gives it a strong ability to form hydrogen bonds, which is the inherent chemical basis for its excellent moisturizing, lubricating, and solubilizing capabilities.

Technical Parameters

Note: Among the above parameters, appearance, CAS number, and ionicity are from the product database of Guoli Chemical; molecular weight range, general formula, and solubility are general technical knowledge based on product specifications.

Application Suggestions

According to different molecular weight grades, the selection recommendations for PEG-1000/1500 in various industries are as follows:

• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used as humectant and lubricant added to creams, lotions, and facial cleansers. The dosage should be adjusted according to the formulation system, leveraging its excellent hydrophilic moisturizing ability to impart a smooth skin feel.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as ointment base, suppository base, tablet binder, and drop pill carrier. PEG-1500, with its slightly higher molecular weight, has a more suitable melting point for use as a suppository base.
• Rubber and Plastic Processing: Used as mold release agent and lubricant to reduce processing friction and improve product surface quality.
• Textile Industry: Used in sizing and antistatic agent formulations to improve fiber processing performance and fabric hand feel.
• Inks and Coatings: Used as plasticizer and dispersant to enhance film flexibility and pigment dispersion uniformity.

Precautions

This product is of low toxicity, but protective measures are still required during handling: GHS classification includes skin irritation Category 2 (H315), eye irritation Category 2 (H319), and respiratory irritation (H335). It is recommended to operate in a well-ventilated environment, wearing chemical safety goggles and nitrile or neoprene protective gloves. Avoid prolonged direct skin contact. In case of accidental eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water and seek medical attention. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizers.