The recommended amount of polyethylene glycol PEG-400 varies significantly by application area and must be determined through experiments based on specific formulation and process requirements. There is no uniform fixed addition ratio in the Guoli Chemical database.
Detailed Explanation
Polyethylene glycol PEG-400 (CAS: 25322-68-3), as a non-ionic surfactant, has excellent compatibility and chemical stability. Its usage method is typically to add it directly into the formulation system and stir evenly. However, the specific amount varies significantly across different industries. Due to the lack of detailed parameters for the customer's specific application scenario, Guoli Chemical database has no unified recommended addition amount. The actual use should be based on formulation experiments and process validation.
In pharmaceutical preparations, PEG-400 is commonly used as an ointment base, suppository base, or solubilizer for liquid medications. Its dosage must be precisely designed based on the characteristics of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, dosage form type, and target release profile, typically determined by pharmacists or formulation engineers through compatibility tests and stability studies. In daily chemical care products, as a humectant and lubricant, PEG-400's conventional reference dosage range is usually between 1% and 10% (by weight of the total formulation), which needs fine-tuning based on product viscosity, skin feel requirements, and cost control.
In industrial applications such as coatings, inks, and pesticide formulations, PEG-400 is used as a dispersant or emulsifier, with the addition amount often between 0.5% and 5%. In metalworking fluids or textile auxiliaries, its dosage may be higher, reaching 5% to 15% or even more, depending on its specific contribution to lubricity, wetting, or softening effects. All addition amounts are recommended to be validated through small-scale and pilot-scale experiments gradually.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Guoli Chemical Product Data |
|---|
| Appearance | Colorless transparent viscous liquid |
| Active Content | ≥99.5% |
| HLB Value | 20 (Theoretical) |
| Hydroxyl Value | 264–300 mgKOH/g |
| pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution) | 4.5–7.5 |
| Kinematic Viscosity (25°C) | 90–120 mm²/s |
| Density | 1.11–1.13 g/cm³ |
| Solidification Point | Approximately 4–8°C |
| Surface Tension (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) | Approximately 63 mN/m |
| Flash Point (Open Cup) | ≥200°C |
| Water Solubility | Easily soluble in water, ethanol, acetone |
Application Recommendations
For different usage scenarios, the following application strategies are recommended:
- Direct Addition Method: PEG-400 is a fully water-soluble liquid and can be added directly to water-based or alcohol-water mixed systems under stirring conditions and mixed evenly. Suitable for daily chemical products, textile auxiliaries, metalworking fluids, etc.
- Pre-mixing/Masterbatch Method: For high-viscosity formulations or systems requiring solubilization of poorly soluble active substances, it is recommended to pre-mix PEG-400 with the active ingredient or a small amount of solvent to form a mother liquor before adding to the main formulation to improve dispersion efficiency and system transparency.
- Temperature Control: Due to its solidification point of approximately 4–8°C, solidification or stratification may occur in low-temperature environments. If the product becomes thick or solidifies due to low-temperature storage before use, simply warm the container at room temperature or in a warm water bath and stir evenly; product quality will not be affected.
- Dosage Determination: Since the Guoli Chemical database does not provide fixed addition amounts for various industries, it is recommended to start with industry experience ranges (e.g., 2%–5% for daily chemical humectants, 3%–8% for pesticide emulsifiers, 5%–12% for metalworking fluids) and optimize the best dosage through orthogonal experiments or gradient experiments.
Precautions
- PEG-400 is hygroscopic; after opening the container, reseal it as soon as possible to avoid prolonged exposure to air, which may increase moisture content and reduce quality.
- Storage temperature is recommended to be controlled between 5°C and 30°C, away from strong oxidizers and strong acids.
- Although the product is safe and mild (GHS non-hazardous chemical), nitrile rubber gloves and chemical safety goggles are still recommended during industrial operations.
- This product is slightly hazardous to water (WGK=1); avoiding direct discharge of large amounts into sewers or natural water bodies is strictly prohibited.
