What is polyethylene glycol PEG-400

Polyethylene glycol PEG-400 is a high-molecular-weight polymer formed by the stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol. It is a nonionic surfactant, appearing as a colorless, transparent, viscous liquid. Its CAS number is 25322-68-3.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene glycol PEG-400 (aliases: polyoxyethylene glycol 400, Macrogol 400, Carbowax 400, Polyethylene glycol 400) is a classic nonionic surfactant primarily marketed by Guoli Chemical. It is produced by the stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol, and its molecular chain contains a large number of hydrophilic ether bonds, endowing it with excellent water solubility and broad compatibility. The "400" in PEG-400 indicates its average molecular weight is approximately 400, a specification that achieves an excellent balance between fluidity, dissolving capacity, and safety.

The core advantages of PEG-400 lie in its outstanding miscibility and chemical stability. As a nonionic product, it can be stably compounded with anionic, cationic, and other nonionic systems, making it compatible with a variety of complex formulation systems. At the same time, it possesses excellent solubilizing capacity for many insoluble organic compounds and active ingredients, effectively enhancing the transparency and bioavailability of preparations. In the coatings, textiles, and metalworking fields, it can also significantly reduce surface tension, efficiently disperse solid particles, and prevent system settling and agglomeration. Additionally, PEG-400 combines low irritation, low toxicity, and non-sensitizing properties, fully meeting the stringent safety standards for pharmaceutical and personal care raw materials.

From a safety perspective, PEG-400 is a non-hazardous chemical, without any GHS hazard pictograms. Its closed-cup flash point is approximately 238°C, it is chemically stable at room temperature, and is not flammable. It has no severe irritant effect on skin and eyes, and its Water Hazard Class (WGK) is 1, indicating only slight harm to water bodies. It is recommended to store at a controlled temperature between 5°C and 30°C, keep the container sealed, keep away from strong oxidizers, and avoid prolonged exposure to air to prevent moisture absorption.

Technical Parameters

Application Recommendations

PEG-400 has extremely wide applications, covering multiple industrial fields:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as an ointment base, suppository base, drop pill carrier, and solubilizer and stabilizer for liquid pharmaceuticals; it can significantly improve drug solubility and bioavailability.
• Personal Care Industry: Serves as a humectant, lubricant, and viscosity modifier in products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes, imparting a smooth skin feel and improving spreadability.
• Textile Industry: Used as an antistatic agent, softener, and leveling agent, reducing friction between fibers, minimizing static buildup, and enhancing fabric hand feel and dyeing uniformity.
• Metalworking Fluids: Provides lubrication, reducing friction between cutting tools and workpieces, extending tool life, while also improving the wetting and cleaning properties of coolants.
• Paints and Inks: Functions as a dispersant and plasticizer, promoting uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing settling and flocculation, and adjusting film flexibility and leveling.
• Pesticide Formulations: Acts as an emulsifier and wetting agent, lowering surface tension and enhancing the spreading and penetration of spray solutions on plant leaf surfaces.
• Rubber and Plastics Processing: Used as a release agent and dispersant, improving processing fluidity and product surface finish.

Notes

• Maintain good ventilation during handling; avoid inhalation of vapors or mists. It is recommended to wear chemical safety goggles and nitrile or neoprene protective gloves.
• Avoid contact with incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and strong acids to prevent hazardous reactions.
• Keep containers sealed and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; recommended temperature control between 5°C and 30°C, away from heat sources and open flames.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to air to prevent quality degradation due to moisture absorption.
• In case of accidental skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water; if ingested, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical attention. For small spills, absorb with inert absorbent material, and strictly prevent entry into sewers or water bodies.