Polyethylene Glycol PEG-2000 is safe and low-toxic under normal use conditions, but attention must be paid to dust protection, temperature control, and storage conditions during operation to ensure product performance and personnel safety.
Detailed Explanation
Polyethylene Glycol PEG-2000 is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer, appearing as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes at room temperature. This product is not classified as a hazardous chemical, has extremely low acute toxicity (rat oral LD₅₀ far above 2000 mg/kg), is non-irritating to skin and eyes, and has no skin sensitization, making it a low-risk chemical raw material. However, to ensure safe use and product quality, standardized operation and storage requirements must still be followed.
During operation, the melting point of PEG-2000 is approximately 50–55°C, and the operating temperature should be controlled between room temperature and 70°C to avoid local overheating causing thermal decomposition. When handling molten products, special care should be taken to prevent burns, and insulated gloves and protective equipment should be worn. In areas where dust is generated (such as feeding and stirring), it is recommended to wear dust masks to avoid respiratory discomfort from inhaling dust. The workplace should be well-ventilated, and eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited during work. After work, hands and exposed skin should be thoroughly washed with water and soap.
For storage, PEG-2000 should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, with a recommended storage temperature of 5–30°C. The container must be kept sealed to prevent moisture absorption and contamination by foreign matter. It should be stored away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers, strong acids, and strong bases. It is recommended to use stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic-lined carbon steel containers for storage, avoiding prolonged contact with iron containers. During transportation, damage to packaging, moisture, and exposure to sunlight should be prevented.
Technical Parameters
| Item | Parameter |
|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes |
| Melting Point | Approx. 50–55°C |
| Flash Point | >220°C (closed cup) |
| Recommended Operating Temperature | Room temperature to 70°C |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5–30°C |
| Acute Toxicity (Rat Oral LD₅₀) | >5000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Eye Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Skin Sensitization | Non-sensitizing |
| GHS Classification | Non-hazardous chemical |
Application Recommendations
Polyethylene Glycol PEG-2000 is widely used in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, papermaking, metal processing, coatings, and inks. When used in formulations, the following points are recommended:
- Pharmaceutical Preparations: When used as a suppository or ointment base, the melting temperature should be controlled within the range of 50–55°C to avoid overheating, which could cause molecular chain degradation and affect drug release performance. As a tablet binder, the typical dosage is 0.5%–5% of the formulation.
- Cosmetics: As a moisturizing agent and thickening aid, the recommended addition amount is 1%–10%. In emulsion systems, it can be compounded with other surfactants to synergistically improve product stability and skin feel.
- Textile Industry: When used as an antistatic agent or softening finishing agent, the working solution concentration is typically 0.5%–3%, applied through padding or impregnating processes, forming a hydrophilic film on the fiber surface after drying.
- Metalworking Fluids: In water-based cutting fluids, the addition amount is 2%–8%, providing both lubrication and anti-rust functions, with better results when combined with other additives.
- Synthetic Intermediates: When reacting terminal hydroxyl groups with fatty acids or ethylene oxide to prepare non-ionic surfactants, the reaction temperature and catalyst dosage must be controlled to ensure complete esterification or etherification.
Precautions
- When handling molten products, be sure to pay attention to the risk of high-temperature burns, and wear insulated gloves and protective face shields.
- In dust operation areas, local exhaust ventilation should be provided, and operators must wear dust masks.
- The product should be stored in a sealed container, away from heat sources, ignition sources, and strong oxidizers, to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
- Waste disposal should be carried out in accordance with local environmental regulations, such as incineration or landfill, and direct discharge into water bodies is strictly prohibited.
- In case of skin or eye contact, immediately rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; if irritation persists, seek medical attention promptly.
- If ingested, do not induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth immediately and seek medical attention, presenting the product label or safety data sheet to the doctor.
