What are the main characteristics of polyethylene glycol PEG-200?

Polyethylene glycol PEG-200 is a nonionic surfactant with excellent performance, characterized by outstanding emulsifying and solubilizing properties, chemical stability, low toxicity and safety, and wide compatibility. It is widely used in daily chemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial processing, and other fields.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-200 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3) appears as a colorless, transparent viscous liquid and is a typical nonionic surfactant. Its molecular structure imparts unique chemical inertness, allowing it to remain stable under a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. It does not react with most chemicals and exhibits excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water.

In terms of functionality, PEG-200 possesses four core capabilities: first, excellent emulsifying and solubilizing properties, which effectively reduce interfacial tension between liquid phases, promoting the stable dissolution and uniform mixing of poorly soluble substances; second, outstanding wetting and dispersing functions, significantly improving the wetting state of solid particles in liquid media and preventing sedimentation and flocculation; third, good moisturizing and lubricating properties, providing a smooth touch to formulations through moderate hygroscopicity; and fourth, excellent chemical stability and compatibility, with good compatibility with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic surfactants.

In terms of safety, PEG-200 has extremely low toxicity, with an acute oral toxicity (rat) LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg. It causes no or only very mild skin irritation and has no sensitizing or genotoxic effects. The product is non-flammable, non-explosive, has low ecotoxicity, and is readily biodegradable, making it a green and environmentally friendly chemical auxiliary.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

The versatility of PEG-200 makes it suitable for multiple industry sectors:

• Daily Chemical Care Industry: Used as a humectant, lubricant, and viscosity modifier in formulations for shampoos, body washes, creams, and toothpaste.
• Pharmaceuticals and Agriculture: Serves as an ointment base, drug solubilizer, and pesticide emulsifying dispersant, enhancing the bioavailability of active ingredients.
• Industrial Casting and Metalworking: Used as a key component of mold release agents and heat transfer fluids, providing excellent high-temperature lubrication and release performance.
• Chemical Synthesis: Acts as a solvent and synthesis intermediate in esterification and etherification reactions, used to produce specialty surfactants and plasticizers.
• Textiles and Dyeing: Provides moisturizing and softening treatment to improve fabric feel and processing performance.
• Inks and Coatings: Used as a solvent and solubilizer to enhance component compatibility and system stability.

Precautions

• It is recommended to wear safety goggles and protective gloves during operation, and use in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep containers tightly sealed during storage to prevent moisture absorption, and keep away from incompatible substances such as strong acids and strong oxidizers.
• It is recommended to use stainless steel, polyethylene, or epoxy-lined carbon steel containers for storage.
• If accidentally splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Disposal must comply with local environmental regulations; do not discharge into sewers, soil, or any water bodies.