Question

In which industries and processes are PEG-1000/1500 mainly used?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 PEG-1000/1500

PEG-1000/1500 is widely used in six major industries: cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing, textiles, rubber, and inks and coatings. It plays a key role in dozens of process steps such as lubrication, mold release, moisturizing, plasticization, and dispersion.

Detailed Description

PEG-1000/1500 is a nonionic polyethylene glycol series product produced by Haian Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd. It appears as a white waxy solid or flake with a defined molecular weight distribution range (PEG-1000 or PEG-1500 optional). With its excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties, outstanding wetting and solubilizing capabilities, superior chemical stability, and good biocompatibility, this product has become an indispensable functional additive in multiple industries.

In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, PEG-1000/1500 is widely used due to its low toxicity (extremely low acute oral toxicity) and good skin compatibility; in industrial manufacturing, its acid-alkali resistance, hard water resistance, chemical stability, and thermal stability allow it to maintain stable performance across a wide pH range and processing temperature conditions, making it an ideal lubricant, mold release agent, and heat transfer medium.

The following section details the specific application processes and functional roles of PEG-1000/1500 from six industry dimensions, providing references for formulation development and process optimization.

Overview of Industry and Process Applications

Industry Sector Application Process/Functional Role Functional Principle and Effect
Cosmetics & Personal Care Moisturizer Forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules to lock in moisture, keeping skin and hair hydrated
Lubricant / Softener Reduces friction coefficient between components, imparting a silky feel and soft touch
Formula Stabilizer Used in creams, lotions, cleansers, and hair products to enhance stability and user experience
Pharmaceutical Industry Ointment Base Water-soluble base component, easy to wash off, does not affect skin physiological function, good drug compatibility
Suppository Base Melts rapidly at body temperature to release the drug, with water absorption and dispersion capabilities
Binder (Wet Granulation) Provides good binding force, ensures uniform and compact granules for tableting
Coating Material (Plasticizer/Pore Former) Adjusts flexibility, solubility, and permeability of film or sugar coatings
Dropping Pill Base Acts as a carrier material, melts and then cools to form uniform spherical pills
Industrial Manufacturing Lubricant Reduces friction in metalworking and plastic molding, decreasing equipment wear and energy consumption
Mold Release Agent Forms an isolation film in injection molding and die casting, ensuring smooth release and surface finish
Hot Melt Adhesive Modifier Adjusts viscosity and open time, improving flowability and bond strength
Heat Transfer Medium Used in constant temperature baths or heat exchange systems, wide temperature range, non-toxic and non-corrosive
Textile Industry Sizing Agent Forms a flexible film on warp yarns during sizing, enhancing yarn strength and abrasion resistance, reducing breakage during weaving
Antistatic Agent Imparts conductivity and hygroscopicity to fiber surfaces, rapidly dissipating static charges
Rubber Industry Release Agent Coated on unvulcanized rubber or raw rubber sheets to prevent sticking, facilitating handling and storage
Vulcanization Accelerator Carrier Acts as a dispersion medium for accelerators, ensuring uniform distribution in the rubber compound, improving vulcanization efficiency and product uniformity
Inks and Coatings Plasticizer Increases flexibility and elasticity of resin systems, preventing 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 Control Agent Adjusts rheological properties, improving leveling and wetting, reducing brush marks and surface defects

Application Recommendations

  • Cosmetic Formulations: It is recommended to add PEG-1000/1500 as a water-phase component, with dosage adjusted within 1%-10% based on the formula system. Its solubilizing ability can aid in dispersing poorly soluble active ingredients.
  • Pharmaceutical Processes: The choice between PEG-1000 and PEG-1500 depends on the specific melting point requirements — higher molecular weight leads to higher melting point. Suppository bases often use a combination of PEG-1000 and PEG-1500 to adjust the melting point to near body temperature (approx. 37°C).
  • Industrial Lubrication and Mold Release: Can be used alone or compounded with other additives, applied directly or sprayed onto mold surfaces after dissolving in a suitable solvent to form a uniform release film.
  • Coatings and Inks: When used synergistically as plasticizer and dispersant, it is recommended to pre-disperse with a small amount of solvent before adding to the main formulation to ensure uniform distribution.

Precautions

  • PEG-1000/1500 is a low-toxicity substance, but GHS classification includes Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315) and Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319). It may cause skin and eye discomfort during handling. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber gloves).
  • When used in large quantities in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, appropriate ventilation measures should be taken to avoid inhalation of dust or vapor (may cause respiratory irritation, H335).
  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and strong oxidizing agents. Use moisture-proof sealed packaging to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
  • No eating, drinking, or smoking is allowed in the operation area. Wash exposed skin thoroughly after operation.