Question

What is Polyethylene Glycol PEG-400? What are its main uses?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 聚乙二醇PEG-400

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-400 is a high-molecular polymer obtained by the stepwise addition polymerization of ethylene oxide with water or ethylene glycol. It is a nonionic surfactant with an appearance of a colorless, transparent viscous liquid. It has excellent compatibility, chemical stability, and low toxicity, making it a versatile functional excipient spanning multiple fields such as pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, textiles, and industrial processing.

Detailed Description

Polyethylene Glycol PEG-400 (CAS No.: 25322-68-3), also known as Polyethylene Glycol 400, Polyoxyethylene Glycol 400, Macrogol 400, Carbowax 400, etc., is one of the core products of Guoli Chemical. As a nonionic surfactant, PEG-400 has extremely broad-spectrum compatibility and can stably compound with anionic, cationic, and nonionic systems, accommodating various complex formulation systems.

The core advantage of this product lies in its high solubilization capacity—it has an excellent solubilization effect on many poorly soluble organic substances and active ingredients, effectively improving the transparency and bioavailability of preparations. At the same time, PEG-400 also possesses excellent wetting and dispersing properties. In coatings, textiles, and metal processing fields, it can significantly reduce surface tension, efficiently disperse solid particles, and prevent system sedimentation and agglomeration. Furthermore, its low irritation, low toxicity, and non-allergenicity make it fully compliant with the stringent safety standards for pharmaceutical and daily chemical raw materials.

In terms of physicochemical properties, PEG-400 is chemically stable at room temperature, with a closed-cup flash point of approximately 238°C. It is not flammable or explosive, with a water hazard class (WGK) of 1. It is not classified as a hazardous chemical, and storage and transportation conditions are relatively flexible.

Main Application Fields

The application coverage of PEG-400 is extremely broad. The following is an overview of its uses in eight core fields:

Application Field Main Uses
Pharmaceutical Industry Ointment base, suppository base, drop pill carrier; solubilizer and stabilizer for liquid preparations, improving drug solubility and bioavailability
Daily Chemical & Personal Care High-performance moisturizer and lubricant, used in creams, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, etc., providing a smooth skin feel and improving spreadability
Textile Industry Antistatic agent, softener, and leveling agent, reducing friction between fibers, minimizing static buildup, and improving fabric hand feel and dye uniformity
Rubber & Plastic Processing Mold release agent and dispersant, helping uniform dispersion of fillers and pigments, preventing mold sticking, and improving processing flow and surface finish
Metalworking Fluids Providing lubrication, reducing friction between tool and workpiece, extending tool life, and improving wetting and cleaning performance of coolants
Paints & Inks Dispersant and plasticizer, promoting uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing sedimentation and flocculation, and regulating film flexibility and leveling
Paper Industry Softener and anti-adhesion agent, improving paper softness and hand feel, preventing sticking during pressing and drying processes
Pesticide Formulations Emulsifier and wetting agent, reducing surface tension, enhancing spreading and penetration of the spray liquid on plant leaf surfaces

Application Recommendations

When selecting and using PEG-400, it is recommended to adjust the dosage according to the specific application system:

  • Pharmaceutical Solubilization: When used as a solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs, typically add at 5%-30%; it is recommended to conduct small-scale tests to determine the optimal dosage.
  • Daily Chemical Formulations: For moisturizing and lubricating purposes, recommended addition is 2%-10%; combining with other moisturizers can produce synergistic effects.
  • Industrial Dispersion: For pigment dispersion, recommended addition is 3%-8% of the pigment weight, effectively preventing sedimentation.
  • Metalworking Fluids: As a lubricating component, recommended addition is 5%-15%.

Precautions

  • Ensure good ventilation during operation and wear chemical safety goggles and nitrile or neoprene protective gloves.
  • Avoid contact with incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers and strong acids to prevent hazardous reactions.
  • Storage temperature is recommended to be between 5°C and 30°C; keep containers sealed to avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture absorption.
  • This product has a water hazard class (WGK) of 1; prevent it from entering sewers or water bodies.
  • In case of eye contact, rinse continuously with running water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention promptly.