Polyethylene Glycol PEG-200 is a colorless transparent viscous liquid nonionic surfactant with good water solubility and chemical inertness. Before use, ensure the product is well-sealed and free from moisture absorption or deterioration. It can be directly added at room temperature. If viscosity increases or crystallization occurs in low-temperature environments, gently preheat it under 25°C~40°C conditions to restore fluidity before use. Do not heat directly with an open flame.
There are two main methods for adding PEG-200: Direct Addition Method and Premix Method. The direct addition method is suitable for aqueous systems: slowly add PEG-200 to the system under stirring until evenly dispersed. The premix method is suitable for use with oil phases or hard-to-dissolve components: first mix PEG-200 with the solubilizate evenly, then gradually add to the main system. When used as a synthesis intermediate, follow the specific synthesis process's feed ratio and reaction conditions.
Since PEG-200 is hygroscopic, seal the container immediately after use to avoid prolonged exposure to air, which may cause moisture absorption. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles during operation and use in a well-ventilated environment.
| Application Area | Function | Recommended Dosage (wt%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics and Personal Care | Humectant, Lubricant | 1%~10% | Usually 2%~5% in shampoos and body washes; up to 5%~10% in creams |
| Liquid Formulations and Fragrances | Solubilizer, Cosolvent | 5%~20% | Adjust based on the nature of the solubilizate and required solubility |
| Pesticide Formulations | Emulsifying Dispersant | 3%~15% | Compounding with other surfactants yields better results |
| Inks and Coatings | Solvent, Wetting Agent | 2%~10% | Improves pigment dispersion and system fluidity |
| Dye and Pigment Processing | Dispersant, Carrier | 5%~30% | Used for pigment pre-dispersion and color paste preparation |
| Rubber and Plastic Mold Release | Mold Release Component | 10%~30% | Usually formulated into aqueous solutions or emulsions for use |
| Chemical Synthesis | Synthesis Intermediate | By reaction equivalent | Determined by molecular design of the target product and esterification/etherification stoichiometry |
| Heat Transfer Fluids/Brake Fluids | Base Component | As per formulation design | As one of the basic components, the ratio is determined by overall performance requirements |
Note: The above dosages are general industry reference ranges. The Guoli Chemical product database does not provide precise recommended dosage parameters for each application area. In practice, it is recommended to determine the optimal dosage through small-scale experiments to achieve desired performance and cost balance.
PEG-200 has good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants. In practical formulations, it is often used in combination with other surfactants to achieve synergistic effects. For example, in pesticide emulsification systems, compounding PEG-200 with anionic emulsifiers can significantly enhance emulsion stability and dispersion uniformity; in daily chemical products, combining it with other humectants (such as glycerin) can enhance moisture retention and improve skin feel.
For first-time users, it is recommended to use the gradient test method: start from the low end of the recommended range, gradually increase the dosage, observe changes in product performance, and find the minimum effective dosage that meets requirements, achieving the best balance between economy and functionality.