PEG-1000/1500 belongs to the non-ionic polyethylene glycol series. It appears as a white waxy solid or flakes, with good water solubility and broad compatibility. Before use, it is usually necessary to choose an appropriate method to incorporate it into the formulation system based on the specific process. There are two common operation methods: one is the direct addition method, where solid flakes or granules of PEG-1000/1500 are directly added to the mixing system, melted or dissolved by heating and stirring; the other is the pre-melting method, where PEG is first heated to a molten state (PEG-1000 melting point is about 37-40°C, PEG-1500 melting point is about 44-48°C), and then added to the formulation in liquid form for uniform mixing.
In various applications, the solubility of PEG-1000/1500 is closely related to temperature. It dissolves slowly in cold water, and it is recommended to heat it to 50-60°C under stirring conditions to accelerate dissolution. If the formulation system is water-based, PEG can be pre-dissolved in a small amount of warm water to form a stock solution, which is then added to the main system. For oil-based or solvent-based systems, PEG-1000/1500 has good compatibility with many organic solvents (such as ethanol, acetone, chloroform, etc.) and can be mixed directly.
The following are typical recommended dosages of PEG-1000/1500 in different industries (data sourced from Guo Li Chemical product application experience, actual dosage should be determined by formulation experiments):
| Application Field | Specific Use | Recommended Dosage (wt%) | Usage Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic creams/lotions | Moisturizer, lubricant | 1% - 5% | Heat and dissolve together with the water phase, then emulsify |
| Facial/hair products | Softening agent, solubilizer | 0.5% - 3% | Directly add to the water phase and stir to dissolve |
| Ointment base | Water-soluble base | 20% - 50% | Combine with other PEGs, heat and melt together |
| Suppository base | Carrier material | 30% - 90% | Melt, mix with drug, and pour into molds |
| Tablet binder | Wet granulation | 1% - 5% (based on dry powder weight) | Prepare a solution and spray or add |
| Rubber mold release/parting | Surface coating | 5% - 15% (aqueous solution) | Prepare a solution and spray or dip coat |
| Textile sizing agent | Warp sizing | 2% - 8% (of total sizing composition) | Blend with other sizing components |
| Paints/Inks | Plasticizer, dispersant | 1% - 5% | Add during grinding or paint mixing stage |
| Hot melt adhesive | Viscosity modifier | 5% - 20% | Melt and blend with other components |