Polyethylene glycol PEG-4000/6000 is a non-ionic high molecular polymer, characterized by excellent compatibility, outstanding chemical stability, and multifunctionality. It appears as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid and is widely used in many industrial fields such as pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, textiles, rubber, papermaking, metal processing, and pesticides.
Detailed Description
Polyethylene glycol PEG-4000/6000 (CAS number: 25322-68-3) is a non-ionic high molecular polymer, appearing as a white to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes. Its molecular structure endows it with excellent compatibility and functionality in various industrial formulations, making it an indispensable multifunctional additive in many industries. This product is classified as practically non-toxic, with an acute oral LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg, and is relatively safe for humans and the environment under normal usage conditions.
In terms of compatibility, PEG-4000/6000 exhibits excellent emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and solubilizing capabilities, effectively enhancing the stability and uniformity of formulations. Regarding chemical stability, this product remains stable over a wide pH range and shows excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and hard water environments, enabling it to function reliably under various demanding process conditions. Additionally, this product is highly hygroscopic and requires sealed storage.
In terms of functionality, PEG-4000/6000 provides ideal lubrication, moisturizing, and shaping functions. In the pharmaceutical industry, it can be used as an ointment base and suppository base; in daily chemical products, as a humectant in toothpaste and a conditioner in shampoo; in the textile industry, as an efficient antistatic agent and lubricant; in the rubber and plastic industry, as a mold release agent. Its multifunctional properties make it a key component in refined product formulations.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter Item | Description |
|---|
| Product Type | Non-ionic high molecular polymer (non-ionic surfactant) |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow waxy solid or flakes |
| CAS Number | 25322-68-3 |
| Aliases | Macrogol 4000/6000, Polyethylene Glycol 4000/6000, Carbowax 4000/6000, Polyoxyethylene 4000/6000 |
| Acute Oral Toxicity LD50 | > 5000 mg/kg (rat), practically non-toxic |
| Flash Point (Open Cup) | > 240 °C |
| Dust Explosion Class | St1, minimum ignition temperature of dust cloud (MIT) > 400 °C |
| Hazard Classification | Not classified as a dangerous substance or mixture |
| Main Functions | Emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, solubilizing, lubricating, moisturizing, shaping |
| Chemical Stability | Stable over a wide pH range, resistant to acids, alkalis, and hard water |
| Hygroscopicity | Highly hygroscopic, requires sealed storage |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 10-30 °C (room temperature), cool, dry, and well-ventilated area |
Application Recommendations
The main application areas of PEG-4000/6000 and suggested uses are as follows:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as an ointment base, suppository base, dropping pill carrier, and solid dispersion carrier, which can significantly increase the dissolution rate and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It is also suitable as a solubilizer and stabilizer in injections or oral liquid preparations.
- Daily Chemical Industry: In toothpaste, it replaces or partially replaces glycerin as a humectant to prevent paste from drying out; in shampoo and body wash, it provides a smooth feel, reduces surfactant irritation, and acts as a thickener; in creams and lotions, it serves as a basic moisturizing factor.
- Textile Industry: As an antistatic agent and lubricant, it imparts smoothness and cohesion to synthetic fibers, reducing friction and static electricity; it can also be used as a penetrating and lubricating medium in mercerizing auxiliaries.
- Rubber and Plastic Industry: As an efficient mold release agent, it helps products smoothly release from molds during vulcanization or molding; as a lubricating dispersant, it improves the compatibility of fillers with the base resin.
- Papermaking Industry: As a coating lubricant, it improves coating fluidity and prevents roller sticking; as a moisturizing plasticizer, it controls paper moisture content and prevents warping.
- Metal Processing: As a core additive in water-based quench media, it adjusts the cooling rate; as a lubricating component in cutting fluids, it provides boundary lubrication effects.
- Pesticide Formulations: As a dispersing and binding carrier for wettable powders and water-dispersible granules, it enhances the suspension rate and efficacy utilization of pesticides.
Precautions
- Explosion Safety: Fine dust can form an explosive mixture with air (dust explosion class St1). Open flames, sparks, and high-temperature surfaces are strictly prohibited in the operating area. All equipment must be grounded, and measures to prevent static electricity accumulation must be taken.
- Moisture-proof Sealing: This product is highly hygroscopic. The packaging container must be kept sealed and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse.
- Incompatible Materials: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, potassium permanganate, concentrated nitric acid, etc.).
- Personal Protection: When there is potential contact with airborne dust, it is recommended to wear a dust mask (FFP2 standard), chemical protective gloves, and safety goggles.
- Spill Treatment: Use tools that do not generate sparks to collect the spilled material, place it in a sealed container, and strictly avoid dust generation.
