Polyethylene glycol PEG-200 is a free-flowing, colorless, transparent liquid at room temperature. It can be used directly or dissolved in common solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone. As a solubilizer or humectant, e.g., in flavors, shower gels, and creams, the recommended addition amount is generally between 1% and 10%, added directly with stirring. Due to its high HLB value (around 20), it effectively reduces interfacial tension between oil and water, helping to stably disperse oily components.
In dispersion and wetting scenarios, for pigments, dye slurries, or ceramic processing, the recommended addition is 0.5% to 5% of the solid mass. First mix PEG-200 with a small amount of water to make a pre-dilution, then add to the powder while stirring to more uniformly coat particles and prevent agglomeration. As a component of mold release agent, dilute it with pure water or ethanol at a ratio of 1:5 to 1:20, spray or brush onto the hot mold surface, using its good thermal stability and lubricity to form a release film.
As a chemical synthesis intermediate (e.g., in synthesizing polyurethanes, special surfactants, plasticizers), PEG-200 is one of the reactants; it requires precise weighing based on the molecular design of the target product. It is typically reacted with fatty acids, anhydrides, etc., under catalyst heating (150–200°C) for esterification, with nitrogen protection, and the reaction progress is calculated based on the hydroxyl value (267–295 mg KOH/g).
| Parameter Category | Typical Value | Usage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless transparent viscous liquid | If turbidity or stratification occurs, it may have absorbed moisture or deteriorated; check water content. |
| Kinematic viscosity (25°C) | 50–65 mm²/s | The lower the temperature, the more viscous; preheat at 10–15°C environment before winter use. |
| pH value (1% aqueous solution) | 5.0–7.0 | Nearly neutral, minimal impact on system pH. |
| Surface tension | 44–45 mN/m | Has certain surface activity, easy to spread and wet substrates. |
| Recommended storage temperature | 15°C to 30°C | High temperature and strong light may accelerate oxidation; store sealed and protected from light. |
As a nonionic surfactant, PEG-200 usually exhibits synergistic effects when combined with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic auxiliaries. In daily chemical formulations, it can partially replace glycerin or propylene glycol, with flexible dosage. In industrial fields, when used as a heat transfer fluid or basic component of brake fluid, the water content must be strictly controlled (≤0.5%) to avoid high-temperature cavitation. This product is provided by Haian County Guoli Chemical Co., Ltd., with effective content ≥99%, and can be safely used according to actual needs.